Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records includes at least one processor that is in operative connection with a card reader and a touch screen display. The at least one processor causes the machine to operate to read card data from a user card, and to cause a determination that the read card data corresponds to an authorized financial account. Data corresponding to a user input character is resolved by the at least one processor responsive to contact with the touch screen display input surface, which may not include any visible output indicia that corresponds to the input character.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/317,725 filed on Oct. 26, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,082,253 thatclaims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application61/455,827 filed Oct. 27, 2010. This application is related toapplication Ser. No. 13/134,654 filed Jun. 13, 2011 which claims benefitpursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application 61/354,778filed Jun. 15, 2010. Application Ser. No. 13/134,654 is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/380,408 filed Feb. 25,2009 which claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of ProvisionalApplication 61/067,660 filed Feb. 29, 2008. Application Ser. No.12/380,408 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/008,348filed Jan. 10, 2008 which claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e)of Provisional Applications 60/994,742 filed Sep. 20, 2007 and60/994,680 filed Sep. 20, 2007.

Application Ser. No. 12/380,408 is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 11/825,271 filed Jul. 5, 2007 which claims benefit pursuant to35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application 60/879,991 filed Jan. 11,2007.

Application Ser. No. 12/380,408 is a divisional application ofapplication Ser. No. 11/638,975 filed Dec. 14, 2006 which claims benefitpursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Applications 60/837,743filed Aug. 14, 2006; 60/837,742 filed Aug. 14, 2006; 60/819,126 filedJul. 7, 2006; 60/819,127 filed Jul. 6, 2006; and 60/752,188 filed Dec.20, 2005.

The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are herebyincorporated herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines that operateresponsive to data read from data bearing records and which may beclassified in U.S. Class 235, Subclass 379.

BACKGROUND

Automated banking machines that operate responsive to data read fromdata bearing records may include a card reader that operates to readdata from a bearer record such as a user card. Automated bankingmachines may operate to cause the data read from the card to be comparedwith other computer stored data related to the bearer or their financialaccounts. The machine operates in response to the comparison determiningthat the bearer record corresponds to an authorized user or account, tocarry out at least one transaction which may be operative to transfervalue to or from at least one account. A record of the transaction isoften printed through operation of a printer of the machine and providedto the user. Automated banking machines may be used to carry outtransactions such as dispensing cash, the making of deposits, thetransfer of funds between accounts and account balance inquiries. Thetypes of banking transactions that may be carried out are determined bythe capabilities of the particular banking machine and system, as wellas the programming of the institution operating the machine.

Other types of automated banking machines may be operated by merchantsto carry out commercial transactions. These transactions may include,for example, the acceptance of deposit bags, the receipt of checks orother financial instruments, the dispensing of rolled coin, or othertransactions required by merchants. Still other types of automatedbanking machines may be used by service providers in a transactionenvironment such as at a bank to carry out financial transactions. Suchtransactions may include for example, the counting and storage ofcurrency notes or other financial instrument sheets, and other types oftransactions. For purposes of this disclosure an automated bankingmachine, automated transaction machine or an automated teller machine(ATM) shall be deemed to include any machine that may be used toautomatically carry out transactions involving transfers of value.

OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodimentsin order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the exampleembodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the exampleembodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elementsof the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appendedclaims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the exampleembodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein anapparatus that has processor and a touch screen displaying having aninput surface. The processor, in response to detecting a predefinedfinger movement on the input surface, outputs a plurality of numericcharacters in a sequence on the touch screen display until thepredefined finger movement is no longer detected. The processordetermines a numerical value is a last numerical value that was outputon the touch screen display when the predefined finger movement was nolonger detected. Other embodiments include a computer readable mediumand method for implementing the functionality of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a fascia of an example automated bankingmachine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of components within a housing of thebanking machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a further schematic side view of components within the housingof the banking machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view of a sheet stacking mechanism which may be employed inan example embodiment of the banking machine.

FIG. 5 is a further view of the example sheet stacking mechanism whichmay be used to hold multiple types of sheets.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the housing of the automated banking machine ofthe example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a mechanism forseparating sheets from a stack of financial instrument sheets placedwithin the automated banking machine.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of an example picking member in combinationwith a plurality of non-contacting stripper rolls and a contactingstripper roll used for separating individual sheets from the stack.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing separation of a first sheet from asheet stack through operation of the mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a cross-sectional wave configuration impartedto a sheet through action of the picking member and the non-contactingstripper rolls.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a cash acceptor mechanism moved to aservicing position and exposing the cash accepting opening in an upperportion of the chest of the automated banking machine.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the cash acceptor mechanism withdrawn forservicing similar to FIG. 11 and with a first embodiment of an accessdoor in an open position for purposes of accessing unacceptable sheetswhich have been identified through operation of the cash acceptormechanism.

FIG. 13 is a view of the automated banking machine similar to FIG. 12but with an alternative access mechanism for accessing unacceptablesheets.

FIG. 14 is yet another view of the automated banking machine similar toFIG. 12 showing a further alternative mechanism for accessingunacceptable sheets.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the cash acceptor mechanism with a firstform of service panel shown in an open position for purposes ofservicing.

FIG. 16 is a view of the cash acceptor mechanism similar to FIG. 15 butwith an alternative form of service panels shown in an accessibleposition.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a chute to and from whichstacks of sheets are received and removed through the fascia of themachine, and including devices for capturing and draining water whichmay enter the chute.

FIG. 18 is an external isometric view of the cash acceptor mechanismrepresented in FIG. 17 and including a schematic representation of thedrain used for passing water collected in the chute to the outside ofthe machine.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view representative of a sealing system used inan example embodiment to minimize the risk of contaminants entering themachine through the opening in the machine fascia through which thechute extends in an operative position of the cash acceptor mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a transparent side view of an alternative form of a mechanismfor accepting and storing financial instrument sheets that have beenprocessed by the cash acceptor mechanism.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the financial instrument holdingcontainer shown in FIG. 20, moved outside the machine.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a light emitting device which is operatedto facilitate use of the machine by users.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the light emitting device shown in FIG.22.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the light emitting diodes included in thelight emitting device.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible web which includes thediodes in the light emitting device.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the fascia shown in FIG. 1 andparticularly the mirrors thereon which facilitate a user viewing thearea adjacent to them when operating the machine.

FIG. 27 is a schematic top view indicating the area viewable by a useroperating the machine.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a fascia similar to that shown in FIG.26 showing a concealment device.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a concealment device shown as covering akeypad.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a concealment device taken alongthe line 30-30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a partial isometric view of a fascia showing a concealmentdevice in an uncovered position.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of an alternative concealment device forpreventing viewing of inputs to an automated banking machine customerkeypad by unauthorized persons.

FIG. 33 is a top view of the embodiment of the concealment device shownin Figure

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a portion of an automated bankingmachine user interface which includes an alternative device forobscuring the viewing of inputs to a customer keypad by unauthorizedpersons, the concealment device being shown in an open position.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 34 but with the panelmembers of the alternative concealment device shown in a closedposition.

FIG. 36 is a top view of the automated banking machine fascia portionshown in FIG. 35 with the panels shown in a closed position.

FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a portion of a banking machine fasciaand an associated keypad cover.

FIG. 38 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 37 but with the keypadcover shown in fixed engagement with the fascia.

FIG. 39 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 32 but including analternative form of a keypad cover.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment similar to thatshown in FIG. 34 but which includes panels that are movable by movementmechanisms so that the panels operate to restrict viewing of inputsthrough the keypad at appropriate times during transactions.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of an alternative automated banking machineuser interface with an alternative concealment device comprised offlexible material positioned for installation on the user interface.

FIG. 42 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 41 with the alternativeconcealment device installed.

FIG. 43 is a top plan view of a portion of an automated banking machineuser interface including a flexible keypad cover that is collapsibleshown in an operative position in which digit access to all of the keysof the keypad are provided.

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the keypad cover similar to FIG. 43 butwith the keypad cover in a collapsed position.

FIG. 45 is a schematic view of a keypad cover that is collapsibleincluding deformable members included therein.

FIG. 46 is a schematic view of a keypad cover that is collapsibleincluding fluid cavities therein.

FIG. 47 is a schematic view of a keypad included on a banking machinewhich includes encryption capabilities and a visual indicator on thebanking machine interface which is operative to indicate when userinputs are being encrypted.

FIG. 48 is a front plan view of an automated banking machine includingexample user manual contact points.

FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 48 but including schematic views ofareas contacted by ultraviolet radiation.

FIG. 50 is a view showing an example device for emitting ultravioletlight.

FIG. 51 is an isometric view demonstrating use of the device shown inFIG. 50 to contact manual contact points of an automated banking machinewith ultraviolet radiation.

FIG. 52 is a schematic view showing embodiments of an example ATMincluding a secure touch screen display module.

FIG. 53 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 52 but including a secureinput device for providing secure communication between the terminalprocessor and the touch screen display module.

FIG. 54 is a schematic view showing another example embodiment of anATM.

FIG. 55 is an isometric view of the example embodiment of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is an enlarged isometric view of the portion of the ATM asindicated in FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a schematic view showing another example embodiment of anATM.

FIG. 58 is an isometric view of the example embodiment of FIG. 57.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein a front plan view of an automated banking machine which in theexample embodiment is an automated teller machine 10. Machine 10 is athrough-the-wall type machine which includes a fascia 12. Fascia 12 isaccessible to users of the machine who are positioned externally of thewall 14. In some embodiments wall 14 may be an exterior building walland machine 10 may be one that is configured for use in a walk-up ordrive-up environment. In other embodiments the machine may be used in anindoor environment. Of course this configuration is an example and inother embodiments, other types of banking machine configurations may beused.

The exemplary automated banking machine includes a user interfacegenerally indicated 15. The user interface of the example embodimentincludes input devices for receiving inputs from users. These inputdevices include a card reader 16, a keypad 18, function keys 20 and animaging device such as a camera 22. In the example embodiment the inputdevices may be used for providing identifying inputs such as indiciaread from cards, alphanumerical data, numerical data and/or biometricdata which may be used to identify a particular user of the machineand/or their accounts. In example embodiments the card reader isoperative to read data from or on user cards that corresponds to atleast one of a user and/or a user's financial account or accounts. Thecard data may be utilized for purposes of comparison with data stored inthe system in which the machine is connected to determine if the user isan authorized user of the machine, and to enable transactions thatinclude the transfer and/or allocation of monetary value. Exemplary cardreaders may include magnetic stripe readers, smart card readers, radiofrequency identification (RFID) readers, near field communication (NFC)readers, inductance readers or other types of contact or contactlessreaders. In addition, the exemplary input devices are also operative toreceive transaction inputs which cause the machine to carry out selectedtransaction functions. It should be understood that these input devicesare examples and in other embodiments other types of input devices maybe used.

The exemplary user interface 15 further includes output devices. Theoutput devices of the example embodiment include a display 24, a speaker26 and a headphone jack 28. The output devices of the example embodimentare operative to output indicia either visual, audible or both, whichare usable to operate the machine. For purposes of this disclosure thedisplay shall be deemed to include an output device such as a CRT or LCDas well as the associated circuitry which produces outputs from thedisplay. Of course the output devices shown in user interface 15 areexamples and in other embodiments other or additional output devices maybe used.

The exemplary machine 10 further includes other transaction functiondevices. These transaction function devices include a receipt printer 30which is operative to provide receipts to users of the machine. As shownin more detail in the interior view of the machine shown in FIG. 2, thereceipt printer includes a paper supply 32 which supplies paper on whichreceipts are printed by a printer mechanism 34. Printed receipts arethen transported to the receipt opening in the fascia 12 by a transport36. In example embodiments the receipt printer used may be of the typeshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,075, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. Of course in other embodiments othertypes of receipt printers may be used.

The exemplary machine 10 user interface includes on the fascia as shownin FIG. 1, a cash dispensing opening 38 and a cash accepting opening 40.Each of these openings is in operative connection with correspondingtransaction function devices as later discussed, and each has anassociated gate mechanism which operates to block access through theopening except at appropriate times during transactions by authorizedusers. In the example embodiment the cash dispensing opening is showncontrolled by a gate 42 and the cash accepting opening is controlled bya gate 44. It should be understood that the fascia and devicesassociated with machine 10 are examples and in other embodiments otheror different fascia configurations and devices may be used.

In the example embodiment the user interface of the machine includes aplurality of multicolor light emitting devices 17, 31, 41, 43 and 45.Each of the light emitting devices is positioned at a location adjacentto the location on the user interface which is associated with aparticular transaction function device. For example, light emittingdevice 17 is positioned adjacent to the opening to card reader 16.Likewise, light emitting device 31 is positioned adjacent to the slotfor delivery of receipts. Likewise, light emitting device 41 isassociated with cash-accepting opening 40, and light emitting device 43is associated with cash-dispensing opening 38. As later explained, inthis example embodiment the multicolor light emitting devices areselectively operated to output light of a particular color responsive toconditions of the associated transaction function device. Such featuresmay be used to guide a user in operation of the machine, provideindications concerning the status of devices, alert a user to particularconditions, or provide improved aesthetics for the machine.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, machine 10 includes a housing 46 whichextends generally on an interior side of wall 14. Housing 46 includes achest portion 48. In the example embodiment chest portion 48 is agenerally secure chest which has a safe-like access door 50. Access tothe interior of the chest portion is limited to authorized personnelthrough a suitable locking mechanism schematically indicated 52 (seeFIG. 3). In the example embodiment the chest is generally L-shaped incross section.

Housing 46 further includes an upper portion 54. Upper housing portion54 which is in connection with the fascia, is in supporting connectionwith the chest portion 48. In the example embodiment upper housingportion 54 has in association therewith, access doors 56 and 58. Accessto the upper housing portion is controlled by one or more lockingmechanisms in operative connection with access doors 56 and 58 asrepresented by key locks 60 and 62. In the example embodiment the securechest portion 48 is used to house financial instrument sheets such ascurrency notes, checks and other valuable sheets. The upper housingportion 54 is generally used to house components of the machine that donot hold on an extended basis notes or other financial instrumentdocuments which can be redeemed for value. For purposes of thisdisclosure a cash dispenser shall be considered to include a device thatoperates to deliver cash stored inside the machine to a locationaccessible by a machine user outside of the machine. Of course it shouldbe understood that the construction of machine 10 is an example and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

As schematically shown in FIG. 2, machine 10 includes at least onecontroller schematically indicated 64. In the example embodimentcontroller 64 includes at least one processor and is in operativeconnection with at least one data store schematically indicated 66. Acontroller or processor may be alternatively referred to herein as acomputer. In the example embodiment the data store is operative to holddata representative of instructions such as computer programs,configuration parameters, data about transactions conducted and otherinformation that may be usable in the operation of the machine 10. Insome embodiments the at least one processor of the machine may belocated within the housing of the machine. In other embodiments the atleast one processor may be remotely located from the housing of themachine. In still other example embodiments, the at least one processormay operate the machine via a virtualized environment in one or moreremote servers, and the devices of the machine operate in response tothe virtual machine operated in the at least one server. Of course theseapproaches are examples, and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

Controller 64 is in operative connection with numerous transactionfunction devices within the machine, and is operative to control theoperation thereof in accordance with its programming. Controller 64 isshown schematically in operative connection with devices 68, 70 and 72.It should be understood that this representation is schematic only andis intended merely to represent numerous components within the machinewhich are in operative connection with the controller and the at leastone processor included therein. For example the transaction functiondevices may include moving devices such as motors, solenoids and otherdevices that are operative to impart motion to components. Likewisetransaction function devices may include sensors such as radiationsensors, proximity sensors, switches and other types of sensors that areoperative to sense items, users, conditions, properties, characteristicsor components within the machine and to enable a controller to performfunctions in accordance with its programming. Transaction functiondevices include output devices such as sound emitters and light emittingdevices. For example and without limitation, transaction functiondevices may include the card reader, display, keyboard, function keys,printer, cash dispenser, cash acceptor, storage mechanisms and otherdevices previously discussed as well as other devices within the machinewhich are operative in response to the controller.

In the example embodiment the controller is also in operative connectionwith a communications device schematically indicated 74. Thecommunications device is operative to communicate messageselectronically between the machine 10 and other computers in financialtransaction processing systems or other systems or networks. These mayinclude for example communications with systems operated by banks,credit card networks, automated clearinghouses and other entities. InFIG. 2 the communications device 74 in the machine 10 is schematicallyshown as providing communication with a financial institution 76 througha network 78. It should be understood that this communicationconfiguration is an example and in other embodiments other communicationarrangements may be used.

As represented in FIGS. 2 and 6, in the operative position of machine 10the housing 46 houses a sheet acceptor mechanism 80 which is alsoreferred to herein as a cash acceptor mechanism. In the exampleembodiment the mechanism 80 is operative to accept sheets from a machineuser through the opening 40, to analyze each sheet for at least oneproperty or characteristic, and to route the sheets selectively forstorage within the housing of the machine based on the characteristicsanalyzed. It should be understood that in various embodiments thesesheets may include currency notes, checks or other financial instrumentsheets. For purposes of this disclosure currency notes are alternativelyreferred to as currency bills. It should further be understood that inexample embodiments the financial instrument sheets may be sheetscomprised of different types of material such as paper, plastic orcombinations thereof. It should further be understood that referencesherein to a cash acceptor mechanism shall be deemed to encompassmechanisms which handle not only currency notes, but also otherfinancial instrument sheets such as checks, money orders, giftcertificates, vouchers, scrip and/or other items that correspond tovalue.

As represented in FIG. 2, cash acceptor mechanism 80 includes a chute 82which extends through opening 40 in fascia 15 in its operativecondition. As previously discussed the user accessible opening to chute82 is controlled by a movable gate 44. Gate 44 moves responsive to thecontroller 64 and enables authorized users to access the chute atappropriate times during transaction sequences. In operation of themachine users are enabled to insert a stack of financial instrumentsheets schematically indicated 84, into the chute. The stack 84 maycomprise currency notes, checks or other forms of financial instrumentsheets.

In operation of the cash acceptor mechanism sheets are individuallyseparated from the stack by a picker mechanism 86, an example embodimentof which is later discussed in detail. Each picked sheet is transportedindividually from the picker mechanism past the validator deviceschematically indicated 88. The validator device 88 of the exampleembodiment is operative to determine at least one characteristic of eachsheet. This may include for example a determination as to whether thesheet is a note or check and if a note, the denomination and whether itis valid. If the document is a check, a determination may be made as towhether the check is genuine as well as the indicia associated with themaker of the check and the amount thereof. For example in some exampleembodiments the validating device may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat.No. 5,923,415, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Alternatively or additionally a validatingdevice having features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,185 and/or U.S.Pat. No. 7,137,551, the disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, may be used. Of course in otherembodiments other types of validating devices such as imagers, readers,sensors and combinations thereof may be used. For example, in someembodiments the sheet accepting device may include a scanner that isoperative to image instruments such as checks and provide data which canbe stored and transmitted as an electronic reproduction of that check.In such circumstances an electronic reproduction of the check may betransmitted to remote locations so as to facilitate review andvalidation of the check. Alternatively or in addition, the electronicrepresentation of the check may serve as a substitute for the physicalpaper check which thereafter enables the paper check to be cancelled andsubsequently destroyed. This may be done in the manner described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/370,430 filed Mar. 8, 2006 the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the example embodiment of the cash acceptor mechanism 80, sheetswhich have been analyzed through operation of the validator device 88are moved through a transport 90 to a routing device 92. The routingdevice is operative responsive to the controller 64 to route sheetsselectively to either an escrow device 94 or to a transport 96. Escrowdevice 94 generally operates to hold sheets in storage on a temporarybasis. Such an escrow device may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,371,368, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein. Escrow device 94 may be operative to accept sheets andstore them.

Thereafter responsive to operation of the controller 64 the escrowdevice may deliver those sheets to the routing device 92 which directsthem along sheet paths in the machine to carry out transactions. Ofcourse it should be understood that the escrow device shown is anexample and in other embodiments other types of escrow devices may beused.

In the example embodiment transport 96 is used to receive unacceptablesheets which have characteristics that do not satisfy certain parametersset by the machine. These may include for example, notes which have oneor more characteristics which suggest that they are counterfeit. Inother embodiments such sheets may include checks which have propertieswhich suggest that they are reproductions or forged or otherwiseunacceptable. Of course in other embodiments other sheets may be deemedunacceptable. As schematically represented in FIG. 2, sheet acceptormechanism 80 is operated to cause transport 96 to deposit suspect sheetsschematically indicated 98 in a storage area 100. In the exampleembodiment the suspect sheets are stored within the cash acceptormechanism and outside of the secure chest so that they may be recoveredby servicing personnel in a manner that is later discussed. Of coursethis approach is an example and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

In the example embodiment the cash acceptor mechanism 80 is operativeresponsive to signals from the controller 64 to cause financialinstrument sheets that are determined to be valid or otherwiseacceptable, to be directed through a cash accepting opening 102 thatextends in an upper surface 104 of the chest. In the operative positionof the cash acceptor mechanism shown in FIG. 2, the transport in thecash acceptor mechanism is aligned with the cash accepting opening and atransport 108 that extends into the secure chest. As schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 2, in the operative position of the cash acceptormechanism 80 at least one driving member 110 of the transport 106 is inoperative connection with a driven member 112 of the transport 108. Inthe example embodiment this enables the cash acceptor mechanism totransmit movement to sheet handling mechanisms within the secure chestand to assure coordinated movement of processed sheets therein. Furtherin the example embodiment the driving and driven members extend in thecash accepting opening so as to block access therethrough byunauthorized persons as later discussed.

In the example embodiment when the cash acceptor mechanism is moved fromthe operative position shown in FIG. 2 to a servicing position such asshown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the driving member 110 and the drivenmember 112 disengage. In some example embodiments the movement of thecash acceptor mechanism from the operative position to a servicingposition may include movably mounting the cash acceptor mechanism suchthat the mechanism moves both upward away from the secure chest so as todisengage the driving and driven members as well as outward for purposesof servicing. Of course to return the cash acceptor mechanism to theoperative position, movement thereof is made both inward and downward soas to reengage the driving and driven members. This may be accomplishedby a combination of slides, rollers or other suitable mechanisms. Ofcourse the approach described of providing for engagement between thecash acceptor mechanism and a mechanism for handling sheets within achest portion is an example and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used, or the transport within the chest portion may have aseparate motor or other moving device.

As shown in FIG. 2, transport 108 which moves sheets generally in avertical direction through the cash accepting opening is in operativeconnection with a horizontal transport schematically indicated 114. Thehorizontal transport is operative to engage sheets moved into the chestportion and to move them transversely away from the cash acceptingopening. The horizontally extending transport 114 is in operativeconnection with a vertically extending transport 116 which istransversely disposed from the cash accepting opening in the securechest. Vertical transport 116 is operative to move sheets selectivelyinto engagement with sheet handling mechanisms 118, 120, 122 and 124. Insome example embodiments, sheet handling mechanisms 118, 120, 122 and124 may be sheet stacking mechanisms such as those shown schematicallyin FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternatively or in addition in other embodiments oneor more of the sheet handling mechanisms may include sheet receiving anddispensing mechanisms which are operative to selectively accept sheetsfor storage as well as to dispense sheets therefrom. Examples of sheetaccepting and stacking mechanisms as well as sheet accepting, stackingand dispensing mechanisms which may be used in some example embodimentsare described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,302,393 and 6,290,070, thedisclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the exemplary sheet accepting andstacking mechanism 118 is selectively operative to accept a sheet 126moving in the vertical transport 116. Sheet 126 is guided to engage thesheet handling mechanism 118 through movement of a gate member 128. Thegate member moves responsive to the controller 64 to direct the leadingedge of the sheet into a recess 130 of a rotatable member 132. As theleading edge of the sheet 126 enters the recess 130 the rotatable member132 rotates in the direction of Arrow R. This causes the gripper portionbounding the recess 130 to move inwardly capturing the sheet 126therein. The rotatable member 132 rotates until the leading edge of thesheet 126 engages a stop surface 136 at which time the gripper portion134 has moved radially outward such that the sheet disengages from therotatable member 132 and is integrated into a sheet stack 138. Stack 138may be for example a stack of currency notes all of which are of thesame denomination. Of course in other embodiments the stack 138 may be acollection of other types of sheets.

In the example embodiment the stack is maintained in abutting relationwith the rotatable member by a biasing plate 140 which acts against theback of the stack. The biasing plate 140 is movable responsive to abiasing mechanism 142 which is operative to enable the stack to increaseor decrease while maintaining the sheets in an appropriately alignedposition. Further details related to an example embodiment of the sheethandling mechanism are described in the incorporated disclosure of U.S.Pat. No. 6,302,393. FIG. 5 further shows the exemplary operation ofexemplary sheet handling mechanisms 118 and 120. In this case a sheet142 moving in transport 116 is enabled to pass the rotatable member 132when the gate member 128 remains retracted as the sheet passes. Thisenables the sheet to move to other sheet handling mechanisms such assheet handling mechanism 120. This arrangement enables sheets havingparticular characteristics to be stored together, for example, validcurrency notes of different denominations to be collected in stackedrelation in selected sheet storage areas. Alternatively in otherembodiments sheets of similar types such as checks may be segregatedfrom other financial instrument sheets such as notes or travelerschecks. In still other embodiments sheets which are to be recycled suchas suitable fit currency notes can be segregated from valid yet worn orsoiled currency notes which are not suitable for providing to customers.It should be understood that these approaches are examples and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a security plate 144 extendswithin the secure chest in intermediate relation between the horizontaltransport 114 and the note storage mechanism such as the storage area146 associated with sheet handling mechanism 118. The security plate 144in the example embodiment is secured within the interior of the securechest and is adapted to prevent unauthorized access through the cashaccepting opening 102 in the chest. This may be accomplished by securingthe security plate 144 to the walls bounding the interior of the securechest or other suitable structures. As can be appreciated in the exampleembodiment the upper housing portion 54 houses the sheet acceptormechanism 80, it is generally easier to access the area housing thesheet acceptor mechanism than the secure chest. In cases where criminalsmay attack ATM 10 and attempt to remove the sheet accepting mechanism,ready access through the cash accepting opening is first blocked by thedriving and driven members and other components of the transports 106and 108. However, in the event that criminals attempt to clear away thetransport mechanism components, access to the stored sheets in the notestorage mechanisms is still blocked by the security plate. FIG. 11 showsgreater detail of the cash acceptor mechanism 180 retracted to aservicing position so as to expose the cash accepting opening. In theexample embodiment the cash acceptor mechanism is movably mounted insupporting connection with the chest portion on suitable slides or othermembers.

As can be appreciated in this example embodiment the security plate 144operates to separate the cash accepting opening 102 from the notes orother valuable financial instrument sheets which are stored below thesecurity plate within the secure chest. Of course the security plate isan example and other forms of security plates or other structures may beused.

In an alternative embodiment the machine includes a bulk storagecontainer 260 shown in FIG. 20 for holding currency bills, notes, checksor other items that have been deposited into the machine. The container260 includes a top wall 262 with an opening 264 which corresponds toopening 102 in the chest when the container 260 is in the operativeposition. Container 260 includes a transport 266 which transports itemsthat pass through the opening 264 into an interior area 268 of thecontainer. A horizontal transport 270 is operative to move depositeditems transversely away from the opening 264. A security plate 272 ispositioned to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the interiorarea 268. A further transport 274 is operative to move deposit itemssuch as currency sheet 276 to a suitable location for being dispatchedinto the interior area 268 below the security plate. Deposited itemsschematically represented 278 are held within the interior area of thecontainer 260. In the example embodiment the container 260 includes abottom wall 280. The interior area 268 is bounded by a shaker member 282that is disposed vertically above the bottom wall.

In the example embodiment the shaker member comprises a resilientflexible membrane 284. A rigid plate 286 extends in underlying relationof a central portion of the membrane. Flexible supports 288 support therigid plate 286 above the bottom wall 280. The flexible supports furtherenable movement of the rigid plate and membrane relative to the bottomwall. In example embodiments the rigid supports 288 may include springsor other members which enable relative vertical and/or horizontalmovement of the bottom wall and the rigid plate.

In the example embodiment an actuator 290 extends in intermediaterelation between the bottom wall and the rigid plate. In exampleembodiments the actuator is an electrical vibrating device which isoperative to shake the rigid plate and overlying membrane. The shakingaction of the actuator 290 is operative to impart shaking motion to thedeposited items 278 that are in supporting connection with the membrane.This facilitates the dispersal and settling of deposited items andenables a relatively larger quantity of such items to be collectedwithin the interior area 268 before such items need to be removed. Inexample embodiments the actuator 290 is electrically connected to thecircuitry within the machine through a releasable connector 292. Thisfacilitates removal of the exemplary container as hereafter discussed.In addition, in some embodiments the moving devices for transportswithin the container may be supplied with signals and/or electricalpower through the releasable connector.

In operation of the machine, the interior area 268 of the container 260is in operative connection with the opening 38 in the housing of themachine through which deposited items are accepted. The deposited itemsare passed through the cash accepting mechanism or other mechanism forprocessing such items. Items appropriate for deposit in the containerare passed through the opening 102 in the top of the chest. Such itemsare transported by the transports 266, 270 and 274 to the area below thesecure plate 272 and accumulate within the interior area 268.Periodically responsive to the controller, the actuator 290 operates toimpart shaking motion to the deposited items 278 within the interiorarea. This facilitates settling of the items so as to densely pack theitems therein. Sensors 294 may be included within the interior area soas to sense the deposited items. The controller may be operative tocause the actuator to shake deposited items responsive to the sensingthe level of such items by the sensors. Alternatively the controller maybe operative to shake deposited items based on elapsed time, number ofitems deposited, or other programmable bases. In the example embodimentthe sensors 294 may be in operative connection with the controllerthrough the releasable connector 292.

The exemplary container 260 is removably mounted within the securechest. The exemplary container is supported on rollable supports 296.The rollable supports 296 may be castors, wheels, ball rollers or othertype items that enable more ready movement of the container in a loadedcondition. In the example embodiment upon opening of the secure chestthe container 260 is enabled to move outward from the chest. This isfacilitated by a servicer grasping a handle 298 which is attached to thecontainer. The releasable connector 292 is enabled to be disconnected sothat the container 260 can be pulled outward from the secure chest. Asshown in greater detail in FIG. 21, in the example embodiment the handle298 is a telescoping handle that is enabled to be moved upward once thehandle has cleared the secure chest. This facilitates moving thecontainer outside of the machine. Thereafter the container may be movedto a suitable location by the handle away from the machine for purposesof removing the contents. This may be, for example, an area within avault or other secure room in which the items within the container maybe processed.

As represented in FIG. 21, the container 260 in the example embodimentincludes a door 300. Access to door 300 is controlled by one or morelocks represented 302. In the example embodiment door 300 is shownhinged at a side toward the chest door so as to reduce the risk ofpersons obtaining unauthorized access to the interior of the containerwhen the container is within the machine. Once the container has beenmoved to a suitable location, the lock 302 may be unlocked; the dooropened, and deposited items removed. After the items have been removed,the door 300 may be returned to the closed position. Thereafter thecontainer may be reinstalled in the machine with the handle 298 beingretracted so as to enable the container to again be aligned with opening102. Further, the releasable connector 292 may be reconnected so as toagain enable operation of the container within the machine.

As can be appreciated, the exemplary container 260 is enabled to hold asubstantial quantity of deposited items. Further, the constructionincluding the rollable supports and telescoping handle facilitatesmovement of the loaded container out of the machine and the containerinto the machine. It should be understood that the container is anexample and in other embodiments other approaches may be used. These mayinclude, for example and without limitation, containers which includemultiple interior areas in which deposited items are supported onshaking members. Such embodiments may achieve, for example, a separationof deposited notes, checks and/or envelopes by denomination or deposittype, and achieve more densely packed storage within a particularinterior compartment within the container. In addition or in thealternative, in other embodiments shaking members may be provided onside walls or on top walls bounding the container so as to facilitatethe shaking of deposited items and the packing and storage thereof. Inaddition or in the alternative, containers may be used in someembodiments in conjunction with sheet handling mechanisms such thatcertain sheets are stored precisely positioned in containers forpurposes of stacking and/or recycling while other sheets are stored inbulk within a container or compartment within a container.

FIGS. 7 through 10 schematically describe an example embodiment of thepicker mechanism 86 used in the cash accepting mechanism 80. In thisexample embodiment the stack of sheets 84 is positioned in the chute 82and is in supporting connection with a generally angled lower surface148. Moving members 150 and 152 are operative to engage the stack andselectively rotate responsive to a motor or other mechanism in thedirection of Arrow P so as to move the stack into generally abuttingrelation with an engaging surface 154. Positioned adjacent to theengaging surface 154 in proximity to the lower surface 158 is an idlerroll 156 which is a generally freewheeling roll. The engagement of thestack 84 of the engaging surface 154 and the face of the roll 156 isoperative to splay the sheets as shown. The picker mechanism 86 furtherincludes a generally cylindrical picking member 58. Picking member 158is rotatable selectively by a motor or other driving member responsiveto the controller 64. The picking member during picking operationrotates in the direction of Arrow P as shown. Picking member 158 furtherincludes high friction arcuate segments 160 which in the exampleembodiment serve as sheet engaging portions and which extend about aportion of the circumference of the picking member.

Picker mechanism 86 of the example embodiment further includes aplurality of rolls 162 that serve as non-contact stripper rolls in amanner later discussed. The picking mechanism further includes a contactstripper roll 164 which biasingly engages the high friction segments 160of the picking member.

As represented in FIG. 8, the picking member is a generally cylindricalmember that includes a plurality of annular recesses 166. The outersurface of the non-contact stripper rolls 162 extend into acorresponding annular recess 166, but are generally not in strippingengagement therewith. As represented in the example embodiment of FIG.8, the outer surface of the non-contact stripper rolls 162 are disposedslightly away from the base of the annular recess. As a consequence theouter surface of the non-contact stripper rolls which serve as a firststripper portion are not positioned to be in direct contact strippingengagement with the picking member. However, because the surface of suchrolls is disposed in close proximity thereto and generally enables onlya single sheet to pass between the picking member and the non-contactstripper rolls, the separation of a single sheet from other sheets isgenerally achieved. It should be understood however that while in theexample embodiment the non-contact stripper rolls are disposed slightlyfrom the picking member, in other embodiments such rolls or otherstripper members may operate to actually contact the picking member butmay be of such resilient consistency or other properties that the rollsare not in a biased contact stripping engagement as is the case with thecontact stripper roll 164.

As shown in FIG. 8 the contact stripper roll is biased to engage acentral sheet engaging portion 168 of the picking member. This centralsheet engaging portion is generally centered with regard to sheets thatare moved by the picker mechanism 86. This reduces the tendency ofsheets to twist or skew as they are being moved in the picker mechanism.Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is an exampleand in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The operation of the exemplary picker mechanism 86 is represented inFIGS. 9 and 10. The picker mechanism is operative to separate sheetsindividually from the stack 84. This is done by sequentially picking afirst sheet 170 which bounds the lower end of the stack while moving thefirst sheet in a first direction generally indicated by Arrow F so as tomove the sheet away from the stack. To accomplish this, the controller64 operates motors or other moving mechanisms to cause the movingmembers 150 and 152 to rotate as the picker mechanism 168 similarlyrotates in a counterclockwise direction as shown. The rotation of thepicking member causes the high friction arcuate segments 160 which serveas sheet engaging portions to engage a lower face of the first sheet andpull the sheet in intermediate relation between the picking member andthe non-contact stripper rolls 162. As the first sheet is moved theidler roll 156 rotates to facilitate the movement of the first sheetbetween the picking member and the non-contact stripper rolls.

The non-contact stripper rolls 162 are in operative connection with aone-way clutch 172 such that the first stripper rolls remain stationarywhen the first sheet is engaged therewith and moving in the direction ofArrow F. Because the resistance force provided by the non-contactstripper rolls against the face of the sheet engaged therewith is lessthan the moving force imparted to the opposed face of the sheet, thefirst sheet 170 is moved into intermediate relation between the pickingmember and the non-contact stripper rolls. This causes the sheet toassume the cross-sectional wave configuration shown in FIG. 10. This iscaused by the sheet being deformed by the non-contact stripper rollsinto the annular recesses 166 of the picker member. This cross-sectionalwave configuration is generally operative in combination with theopposing force applied by the non-contact stripper rolls, to separatethe first sheet from other sheets that may be moving therewith from thestack.

As the first sheet 170 moves further in the direction of Arrow F asshown in FIG. 9, the leading edge of the sheet then engages the contactstripper roll 164 which is biased to engage the sheet engaging portionsof the picking member. The contact stripper roll is also in operativeconnection with a one-way clutch 174 such that in the example embodimentthe contact stripper roll remains stationary as the first sheet moves inthe direction of Arrow F. The engagement of the contact stripper rolland the first sheet operates to displace the contact stripper roll so asto enable the sheet 170 to move in intermediate relation between thecontact stripper roll and the central sheet engaging portion 168. Theresistance force of the non-contact stripper roll is generally operativeto separate any sheets other than the first sheet 170 from moving in thedirection of Arrow F.

As shown in FIG. 9 the sensor 176 is positioned adjacent to the contactstripper roll in the example embodiment. Sensor 176 is operative tosense the presence of double sheets which may have been able to pass thenon-contact and contact stripper rolls. Suitable sensors in someembodiments may be those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,241,244 and6,242,733, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. Upon sensing a double sheet the controller of themachine is enabled to make additional attempts to strip the sheet aslater discussed. However, in the event that only a single sheet issensed the picker member 158 continues moving in the counterclockwisedirection until the leading edge of the sheet reaches takeaway rolls178. In the example embodiment takeaway rolls are operative to engagethe sheet and to move the sheet in the cash accepting mechanism towardthe validator device 88. In the example embodiment one rotation of thepicking member is operative to separate one sheet from the stack.

In the event that the sensor 176 senses that a double sheet or othermultiple sheet has been able to pass the contact and non-contactstripper rolls, the controller of this example embodiment is operativeto stop the movement of the picker member 158 in the counterclockwisedirection as shown prior to the first sheet 170 being disengagedtherefrom. Thereafter the controller is operative to reverse thedirection of the picker member 158 and the moving members 150 and 152 soas to move the first sheet back toward the stack. Through the operationof one-way clutches 172 and 174 the contact stripper roll 164 and thenon-contact stripper rolls 162 are enabled to rotate in acounterclockwise direction as shown so as to facilitate the return ofthe sheets to the stack. Thereafter the controller may operate thepicker mechanism 86 to again pick a single bill. Repeated attempts maybe made until a single sheet is separated from the stack so that it maybe processed by the cash acceptor mechanism.

It has been found that the example embodiment of the picker mechanism 86is well adapted for separating various types of financial instrumentsheets having different properties. In general, sheets such as currencynotes that are new or other types of sheets which have generallyconsistent properties of rigidity and friction from sheet to sheet areseparated through the operation of the picker mechanism and thenon-contact stripper rolls. However, in situations where rigidity andfrictional properties vary substantially from sheet to sheet, thecontacting stripper roll which subsequently engages the sheets afterthey have engaged the non-contact stripper rolls is effective inseparating sheets that would not otherwise be separated. This may beparticularly helpful for example in processing sheets that may includeplastic and paper currency notes, checks or other documents that havesignificantly variable properties and which are mixed together in astack from which the sheets must be individually picked.

It should be understood that while picking rolls and cylindrical membersare used in the example embodiment, in other embodiments other pickingand stripping structures such as belts, pads, fingers and other membersmay be used. The example embodiment comprises a through-the-wall typemachine in which the fascia is exposed to the elements. As a result,rain and snow may impact on the fascia and in the absence of suitablemeasures may enter the machine. As can be appreciated the cash acceptingopening 40 in the fascia must be sufficiently large to accept the chute82 which holds a stack of documents 84 as previously discussed. Duringtransactions when an authorized user indicates that they wish to insertthe stack of sheets into the chute, the gate 44 must be opened whichresults in exposure of the chute to the elements.

To minimize the risk posed by rain and snow to the currency acceptormechanism 80, the example embodiment includes the capability to captureand direct from the machine moisture which may enter the chute. Theapproach used in the example embodiment is represented in FIGS. 17through 19. As shown in FIG. 17, the lower surface of the chute 148includes at least one water accepting opening 180 therein. In theexample embodiment the water accepting opening comprises one or moretroughs which extend transversely across the lower surface of the sheet.Of course in other embodiments other approaches may be used. The fluidaccepting openings are in fluid connection with a conduit schematicallyrepresented 182 which is in fluid connection with a drain 184 whichdelivers the water outside the machine. As represented in FIGS. 18 and19 the trough 180 is in operative connection with a fluid fitting 184which connects to a generally flexible fluid conduit 182 such as a tube.The conduit 182 connects to the drain 184 which in the exampleembodiment includes a cavity at a lower side of the fascia and whichincludes openings through which the water may drain to the outside ofthe machine housing.

In the example embodiment a tube support 186 is positioned to controlthe direction of the tube and assure drainage when the cash acceptormechanism is in the operative position as well as when the cash acceptormechanism is in a service position such as is shown in FIG. 12. In theexample embodiment the tube support minimizes the risk of the fluidconduit being crimped or otherwise assuming a position which preventsthe drainage of water from the interior of the chute to the outside ofthe machine. It should be understood, however, that the approach shownis an example and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the example embodiment, provision is made to minimize the risk ofmoisture entering the machine in the area of the cash accepting openingthrough which the chute 82 extends in the operative position of the cashacceptor mechanism 80. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the exampleembodiment a resilient gasket 188 extends in surrounding relation of thechute 82 in the area adjacent to the fascia. The resilient gasket issupported on a front face of the cash acceptor mechanism. As shown inFIG. 19, when the cash acceptor mechanism 80 is positioned such that thechute extends through the cash acceptor opening 40 in the fascia, theresilient gasket is positioned in sandwiched fluid tight relationbetween the front face of the cash acceptor mechanism and the interiorface of the fascia. As the seal provided by the gasket extends insurrounding relation of the chute, the risk of moisture or othercontaminants entering the machine through the cash acceptor opening isminimized. Of course it should be understood that this approach is anexample and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As discussed in connection with FIG. 2, the cash acceptor mechanism 80in response to operation of the validator device 88 and the controller64 determines at least one characteristic indicative of whetherfinancial instrument sheets are acceptable to the machine. In theexample embodiment unacceptable sheets may be suspect sheets such aspotentially counterfeit notes, invalid checks or other unacceptabledocuments. When such documents are detected, they are directed to astorage area 100 which in the example embodiment is within the cashacceptor mechanism and outside the chest portion. Periodically theseunacceptable sheets must be recovered by servicing personnel forpurposes of either verifying the invalidity of the sheets or forpurposes of tracing the sheets to the user who placed them in themachine. In the example embodiment such sheets are recoverable byauthorized persons who have access to the upper housing portion 54 butwho may be prevented from having access to the chest 48 where documentsdetermined to be valid are stored.

In the example embodiment access to the storage area 100 is controlledby a suitable access device. In one form of such an access device shownin FIG. 12, an opening 190 is provided to the storage area 100. Accessto the opening is controlled by a flip-down access door 192. In someembodiments, the flip-down access door 192 may be opened only when thecash acceptor mechanism 80 has been moved rearward to extend outside ofthe housing subsequent to opening access door 58. In some embodimentsthe flip-down access door may be provided with a locking mechanism 194such as a key lock or other suitable locking mechanism. As a result inthis example embodiment in order to access the sheets in the storagearea 100, the user could be required to have the necessary capabilitiesthrough keys, combinations or otherwise to unlock both lock 62 on accessdoor 58 as well as lock 194 and flip-down door 192 in order to accessthe sheets. It should be understood, however, that although in theembodiment shown the cash acceptor mechanism 180 is shown retracted outof the machine to facilitate opening the flip-down door and extractingthe sheets, in other embodiments the flip-down door may be sized,segmented or otherwise adapted such that the cash acceptor mechanism maynot need to be retracted from its operative position in order to accesssheets in the storage area 100. FIG. 13 shows yet a further alternativefor accessing sheets in the storage area 100. In this example embodimentan opening 196 is provided through the storage area so as to enableaccess to the sheets therein. Access through opening 196 is provided toa sliding door 198.

Door 198 is operative to slide along the direction of Arrow S in opposedtracks, slots or other suitable mechanisms for holding and guiding thedoor in supporting connection with the cash acceptor mechanism. In someembodiments door 198 may include a locking mechanism 200. Lockingmechanism 200 may be a suitable key, combination or other lockingmechanism for assuring that only authorized personnel are enabled toaccess the documents in the storage area. As can be appreciated fromFIG. 13, door 198 may be both unlocked and opened without having toretract the cash accepting mechanism rearward. In some embodiments thismay serve to speed servicing and the removal of invalid sheets from themachine.

FIG. 14 shows yet another example embodiment for accessing sheets in thestorage area 100. In this embodiment an opening 202 is provided in arear face of the cash accepting mechanism 80. Access to opening 202 iscontrolled by a door 204. In the example embodiment door 204 is asliding door adapted to be selectively moved in tracks, slots or similardevices. In some embodiments a suitable locking mechanism schematicallyindicated 206 is used to assure that only authorized personnel haveaccess to the door. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a transport 208is provided for moving the sheets in the storage area 100 to the servicepersonnel through the opening 202. A transport 208 may be operative inresponse to provided inputs to input devices by the servicing personnelor may be automatic responsive to the opening of the door 204. Of courseit should be understood that all of the approaches shown are examplesand in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some example embodiments suspect notes or other documents arecorrelated with particular transactions conducted at the machine and/orwith particular users of the machine. This may be accomplished throughoperation of the validator and the controller. In some exampleembodiments the suspect documents in storage may be arranged in aparticular order and the controller is operative to provide one or moreoutputs such as through a screen or a printer indicating thetransactions and/or users which correspond to the suspect sheets.

Alternatively or in addition, provisions may be made for the cashacceptor mechanism to be in operative connection with a printer whichprints transaction and/or user identifying information on each of thesuspect sheets. This may include for example, visible or non-visibleindicia. In some embodiments the indicia may be removable such asremovable labels or indicia that can be washed off or otherwise removedor neutralized. In other embodiment the characteristics determined bythe validator may be such that the data is sufficiently detailed and oftypes that create a unique electronic profile of each suspect sheet.This data can be stored at the machine in a data store through operationof the controller or elsewhere in a connected data store. This sheetidentifying data may then later be used by a servicer or other personsrecovering or analyzing the suspect sheets to correlate each sheet withthe transaction and/or user that provided the sheet to the machine. Thismay be done in some embodiments by putting the machine controller in amode for such analysis and feeding each suspect sheet through the cashacceptor mechanism. The controller may then operate to correlate thestored data related to the transaction and/or user with the stored datathat uniquely identifies the sheet. Such information is then provided toa user of the machine recovering the sheets. Alternatively, suchanalysis may be conducted by transferring data away from the machinealong with the suspect sheets, and conducting the analysis at anothervalidator. Of course these approaches are examples of approaches thatmay be used to uniquely identify a suspect sheet and associate it with auser and/or a transaction.

In the example embodiment of the cash acceptor mechanism 80, it isdesirable to maintain the interior components of the cash acceptormechanism isolated and in sealed relation except when access is requiredfor servicing. As can be appreciated, while the example embodimentpositions the cash acceptor mechanism in intermediate relation between avertically extending wall of the generally L-shaped chest and the wallof the housing to provide enhanced security, it also presents challengesfor servicing. While the ability of the example embodiment to move thecash acceptor mechanism rearward through a service opening of themachine facilitates servicing, problems are still potentially presentedby the need to have to remove cover panels and the like. Further, thereis always a risk that cover panels, once removed, will not be replacedresulting in infiltration of contaminants to the cash acceptor mechanismand causing malfunctions or failures.

To reduce the risk of service persons not replacing service panels, theexample embodiments are made to minimize the risk that service panelswill be removed and not replaced. As shown in FIG. 15, in one exampleembodiment a side service panel 210 is mounted in hinged relation insupporting connection with the cash acceptor mechanism. This enables theservice panel 210 to be opened once the cash acceptor mechanism has beenmoved rearward from the machine. This enables ready access to thecomponents within the machine. In addition in this example embodiment,the front service panel 212 is mounted in hinged relation adjacent thefront of the cash acceptor mechanism. This front service panel enablesaccess to components accessible through a front opening of the cashaccepting mechanism.

As can be appreciated because of the hinged character of service panels210 and 212, the panels may be readily opened. However, the hingedmounting makes it difficult for a technician to entirely remove thepanels from the machine. Further the cash acceptor mechanism cannot bereturned to service without closing the service panels. Of course as canbe appreciated, suitable latching mechanisms or other holding devicesmay be used so as to assure that once the service panels are returned totheir closed position, they remain therein until such time as theservice panels need to be opened again for servicing.

FIG. 16 shows yet a further schematic view of an alternative approach toproviding service panels on the cash acceptor mechanism 80 that provideprotection for internal components and yet can be readily removed forservicing. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, service panels 214 and216 are provided such that they can move in the direction indicated bythe adjacent arrows. Service panels 214 and 216 in the exampleembodiment are mounted in channels, slots or other suitable devices onthe cash acceptor mechanism for guiding and holding the panels inposition. The useful aspect of the service panels shown in FIG. 16 isthat the cash acceptor mechanism 80 need not be removed from theoperative position in order to open the interior of the mechanism bymoving the service panel. Indeed in the example embodiment, servicepanel 214 may be entirely removed exposing the components of the cashacceptor mechanism without moving the cash acceptor mechanism from theoperative position. Service panel 216 which may include the front facesupporting the resilient gasket, may be made more readily removable bymoving the gasket relative to the chute. The ability to remove servicepanels may be particularly useful in situations where a service personneeds to observe the cash acceptor mechanism in operation in order todiagnose and remedy certain problems.

In some embodiments it may be desirable to include devices to assurethat the service panels 214 and 216 are reinstalled on the cash acceptormechanism after servicing procedures are completed. This may beaccomplished by including contact switches such as the contact switchschematically represented as 218 to sense when the service panels havebeen placed back in position. Such contact switches may limit theoperation of the cash acceptor mechanism until such panels are replaced.Alternatively the circuitry within the machine may cause an alarm orother indication to be given or may disable operation of the currencyacceptor mechanism if the access doors to the upper housing are closedand the service panels have not been returned to their operativeposition. Of course other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated, the arrangements of service panels shown in FIGS.15 and 16 for the cash acceptor mechanism are examples and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used. In the exemplary machine 10there is also included a mechanism for dispensing cash through the cashdispensing opening 38 in the fascia. This cash dispensing mechanismgenerally indicated 220 is schematically represented in FIG. 3. In theexample embodiment the cash dispensing mechanism is positioned in thehigher side of the generally L-shaped chest and includes a plurality ofnote storage areas 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 and 232. In some exampleembodiments the note storage areas may be housed within removablecurrency cassettes which are suitable for holding notes and which may bereadily removed from the machine.

In the example embodiment each of the note storage areas is in operativeconnection with a picker mechanism 234, 236, 238, 240, 242 and 244. Eachof these picker mechanisms are selectively operative responsive tocontroller 64 to selectively dispense notes or other sheets from thecorresponding storage area responsive to appropriate inputs to inputdevices of the user interface. In some example embodiments the pickermechanisms used may be similar to the picker mechanism 86 used toseparate sheets from a stack in the cash acceptor mechanism 80.

In the example embodiment a vertically extending transport 246 is inoperative connection with the picker mechanisms and a presentermechanism 248. In operation of the machine the presenter mechanism isoperative to receive sheets dispensed by the picker mechanisms and tomove the sheets upward through the transport 246 to accumulate thesheets into a stack schematically indicated 250. After the desiredsheets have been accumulated, the presenter mechanism is operative tomove the stack toward the cash dispensing opening 38 while thecontroller is operative to open the cash dispensing gate 42. Thisenables the stack of sheets to be dispensed to a user of the machine.

It should be understood that while in the example embodiment the cashdispensing mechanism 220 has been described as dispensing variousdenominations of currency notes; in other embodiments the cashdispensing mechanism may dispense other types of sheets. These mayinclude, for example, travelers' checks, stamps, vouchers, scrip, giftcertificates, or other documents. Further, in some embodiments themachine may be operative to dispense combinations of both notes andother documents as may be requested by the user. Of course themechanisms shown are examples and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

In operation of the exemplary machine 10, a user operating the machineprovides inputs sufficient to identify the user's account through theinput devices of the machine. This may include, for example, providing acard and/or alpha-numeric data through the input devices which can becorrelated through operation of the controller in the machine and/or byinteraction with a remote computer to determine whether the card datacorresponds to an authorized user as well as a financial account of theuser. The controller thereafter operates the output devices of themachine so as to prompt the user to provide inputs and to select aparticular type of transaction or provide other inputs. In situationswhere the user wishes to conduct a cash accepting transaction, themachine operates responsive to the controller 64 to open the gate 44 tothe chute 82 which enables the user to provide a stack of notes or otherdocuments into the machine.

In response to the user providing the stack of documents 84 and/or inresponse to inputs from the user, the cash acceptor mechanism 80operates to unstack the documents through operation of the pickermechanism 86 and to determine at least one of the characteristics ofeach document through operation of the validator device 88. Thedetermined characteristics of the documents may cause valid oracceptable documents to be routed through operation of the routingdevice 92 into the escrow device 94 where they may be temporarilystored. Also, the controller may operate the routing device 92 to directsuspect documents such as invalid documents or probable counterfeitnotes to the transport 86 and the storage area 100.

In the example embodiment once the documents have been moved past thevalidator, the controller may operate to advise the user of themachine's determination with regard to the documents through outputsthrough one or more output devices. In some example embodiments the usermay be offered the option to recover the valid or invalid documents orboth. This may be accomplished by the escrow device delivering thedocuments to the same or different transports such that the documentsmay be returned to the chute or other area of the machine that isaccessible to the user. Likewise if the option is offered, invaliddocuments may likewise be routed back to the user. Of course variousapproaches may be used depending on the particular machine configurationand the programming associated with the controller.

In the exemplary transaction, if the documents determined to be validare to be stored within the machine, the controller operates responsiveto inputs from the user and/or its programming to cause the escrowdevice 94 to deliver the documents. The documents are directed by therouting device 92 through the cash accepting opening 102 in the chest inwhich they are transported and stored in the appropriate sheet handlingmechanisms or in an appropriate bulk storage container. In the exampleembodiment the users account is credited for valid sheets deposited.Information is collected concerning any invalid sheets provided by theuser so that if the sheets are later determined to be valid, the usermay be credited or alternatively the user may be contacted to determinethe source of the invalid sheets. Of course as can be appreciated, thistransaction is an example and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

Using the exemplary machine 10 a user may also conduct cash dispensingtransactions. This may be done either during the same session as a cashaccepting transaction or as part of a separate session. In such atransaction the user of the ATM provides inputs to the input devicesthat are sufficient to identify one or more accounts of the user and/orother identifying inputs.

Responsive to prompts through the output devices, the user providesinputs indicating that they wish to conduct a transaction involving thedispense of notes or other types of sheets, and the amount, nature orcharacter of the sheets that the user has requested. Responsive to theinputs from the user the controller 64 is operative to cause the cashdispenser mechanism 220 and the picker mechanisms located therein todeliver the requested sheets to the presenter mechanism 248, which isoperative to accumulate the requested sheets into a stack 250. Once thesheets are accumulated, the sheets are moved outward to the user as thegate mechanism is opened. Hereafter the controller operates to cause thevalue of the dispensed cash or other sheets to be charged to the user'saccount.

Some embodiments may be useful in handling sheets that includeprogrammable tracking devices or other programmable memory devicesthereon. For example some embodiments may be useful in handling sheetsthat include programmable radio frequency identification (RFID) datastores thereon. Still other types of sheets may include programmabletracking devices that have processing and data storage capabilities suchas for example Memory Spot™ devices available from Hewlett-Packard. Forexample in some embodiments currency bills may include programmabletracking devices that can be programmed with data that can be later readto determine information concerning the bill. Such information mayinclude data which is used to verify that the bill is genuine.Alternatively or in addition the programmable tracking devices can beused to store and deliver information about entities and/or transactionsin which the bill has been involved. In still other embodimentsprogrammable tracking devices may be used on sheets such as checks,tickets, script or other items for purposes of authenticating thegenuineness thereof and/or indicating transactions in which such itemshave been used. Of course these approaches are examples.

In operation of an exemplary machine the machine may include one or moresensors which are operative to sense programmable tracking devices oncurrency bills or other sheets. Such sensors may operate based on radiofrequency back scatter principles or other sensing techniques as may beappropriate. Alternatively or in addition, a machine may include one ormore programming devices which are operative to program the programmabletracking devices included on currency bills or sheets. In someembodiments and depending on the type of programmable tracking devices,the sensors and programming devices may be separate or a part of thesame device. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 such sensors andprogramming devices may be incorporated with the validator device 88.Alternatively one or more such devices may be separate and included inappropriate areas of the machine. In some embodiments sensors andprogramming devices may operate to program the devices on sheets thatare moving through the machine while in others such devices may be readand/or programmed while in storage. Approaches taken will depend on theparticular types of devices used, the type of sheets involved and thetransaction functions carried out by the machine.

In some example embodiments the machine may include sensors for sensingwhether currency bills that are received by the machine includeprogrammable tracking devices. For bills that include such devices, theat least one processor in the machine may operate the at least oneprogramming device to include data in the memory associated with thetracking device on the bill that corresponds to the user and/or thetransaction. This may include for example data corresponding to the nameof the user, the user's account, the machine in which the bill isreceived, the time and date of the transaction, the amount involved inthe transaction, the nature of the transaction and/or other data thatcorresponds to the transaction in which the bill is received. Of coursethese items are examples. Further in some embodiments the at least oneprocessor associated with the machine may also operate to segregatebills that include programmable tracking devices and store them in aparticular storage area. This storage area may be different than anotherstorage area in the machine used to store bills that do not include suchprogrammable tracking devices. Thus for example the machine may operateto store twenty dollar bills that include programmable tracking devicesin one storage area while twenty dollar bills that do not include suchdevices are stored in a different area. In some embodiments the storageareas may be within containers that are removable from the interior ofthe machine.

In addition in some example embodiments the at least one sensor mayoperate as a reading device to read data that is included in the memoryassociated with the programmable tracking device on each bill proximateto the time that the bill is input to the machine. The at least oneprocessor in the machine may operate in accordance with its programmingto record and/or analyze this data for particular data of interest.Alternatively or in addition the machine may transmit selected items ofdata from the bills to other computers for purposes of analysis. Suchanalysis may include information about transactions in which particularcurrency bills have previously been involved. Such information may beuseful in terms of tracking activities su<;h as detecting moneylaundering, improper payments, tax evasion or other activities that maybe of interest. Of course these approaches are examples.

In some embodiments a machine may include bill dispensing devices thatare capable of dispensing currency bills or other sheets that includeprogrammable tracking devices. In some embodiments such machines mayalso include dispensing devices that are also capable of dispensingcurrency bills that do not include programmable tracking devices. Suchembodiments may include machines that include bill receiving devices andcash dispensers as part of an integrated mechanism such as a cashrecycler. In other embodiments the machine may only include mechanismsthat dispense bills from storage. In still other embodiments machinesmay include separate bill receiving devices. Of course variouscombinations of such devices may be included in the same or differentmachines.

Some embodiments may operate in accordance with the programmingassociated with at least one processor to cause data to be included onbills or other sheets that are dispensed from the machine.

This may be accomplished through operation of one or more programmingdevices in the machine. Such programming devices may operate, forexample, to include data on currency bills moving in the machine thatare going to be dispensed to a particular user. The programming devicemay operate to include data in the programmable tracking devices thatinclude information that corresponds to the user receiving the billand/or other information.

Such information may include for example, the recipient's name, accountnumber, the machine at which the bill is received, the transaction timeand date, the transaction amount involved, the transaction type or otherinformation. Of course this approach is an example.

In some embodiments the at least one processor in the machine isoperative to provide outputs through the display of the machine whichincludes indicia advising the user that they are receiving currencybills that include programmable tracking devices. This may include forexample outputs which indicate that the bill that they are receivingincludes such tracking devices and/or the nature of the data which isbeing provided in memory on the bills. Of course in some embodimentssuch information may be output through other devices on the machine suchas through a speaker, headphone jack or other type of device throughwhich messages may be perceived by a user.

In some embodiments the at least one processor may be programmed tooffer a user the option of not including any or certain data in theprogrammable tracking devices of bills or other sheets that are providedto the user. The user may provide one or more inputs to input devices onthe machine to indicate that they do not wish the bills or other sheetsthat are received to include any or at least some of this data. In caseswhere a user has provided such inputs, the at least one processoroperates so that such information is not included in the programmabletracking devices of the currency bills the user receives.

In still other embodiments the at least one processor may operate togive a user an option of receiving bills with or without suchprogrammable tracking devices. For example some users may prefer toreceive bills which do not include such programmable tracking devicesthereon.

The at least one processor may provide outputs giving a machine user anoption to provide an input to select to receive such bills. By providingat least one input the user may indicate to the machine that the billsto be dispensed should not include such programmable tracking devices.The machine may then operate in accordance with its programming todispense only bills to that particular user that do not include suchprogrammable tracking devices. In some embodiments the at least oneprocessor may also operate to provide outputs to a user to indicate thatthere is an additional charge for receiving bills that do not includesuch programmable tracking devices. If a user provides inputs indicatingthat they wish to receive such bills despite the additional charge, theat least one processor will operate to assess a charge for the receiptof such bills in addition to the face value associated with the bills.Alternatively in some embodiments the at least one processor in themachine may operate to store information in the machine concerning theuser's request to receive bills without programmable tracking devices.Information about such transactions or the users involved therewith maybe communicated by the machine to other computers for purposes ofanalysis. Such information may be used for example to identify possibleillicit activities. Of course these approaches are examples.

It should be understood that although the exemplary use of programmabletracking devices on sheets is used in connection with currency bills,the principles may also be used in connection with other parts of sheetsor items. These may include for example tickets, checks, scrip, gamingmaterials or other items that can be redeemed for goods or services. Forexample and without limitation, the principles described can be used inconjunction with gaming systems of the type described in U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/789,644 filed Apr. 5, 2006 thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It should be understood that the transactions described are examples andadditional types of transactions may be carried out through operation ofvarious embodiments. In addition as previously discussed, mechanismsthat are operative to both accept and dispense cash such as thosedescribed in the incorporated disclosures may be utilized as substitutesfor, or in addition to, the mechanisms described herein so as to carryout transactions. Other types of transaction function devices may beincluded in some embodiments. For example as previously discussed,embodiments may include a scanner which enables the machine to image andvalidate checks. In such cases it may be desirable for the machine tohave the capability to cancel the check or destroy the check so there isno risk that the check may be later be stolen and used fraudulently.

In some embodiments suitable mechanisms may be provided for carrying outsuch functions. In addition it may be desirable in some embodiments tohave the machine produce bank checks, travelers' checks, tickets orother documents and suitable mechanisms may be provided for producingsuch documents in the selected amounts. Further, in alternativeembodiments features used by merchants such as devices for acceptingdeposit bags, dispensing rolled coin and other devices may beincorporated into an automated banking machine having features describedherein. As can also be appreciated, features of the example embodimentsmay also be used in numerous other types of automated banking machines.

Example embodiments include light emitting devices 17, 31, 41, 43 and45. In the example embodiment the light emitting devices are positionedin areas on the user interface at locations associated with particulartransaction function devices. For example, light emitting device 31 isassociated with the receipt printer 30 and light emitting device 17 isassociated with the card reader 16. In the example embodiment the lightemitting devices are in operative connection with the one or morecontrollers in the machine. In addition, such devices are capable ofemitting light of selected colors at particular times during thetransaction responsive to the operative condition of the transactionfunction device of the machine with which the light emitting device isassociated.

In the example embodiment the light emitting devices include an array ofLEDs of different colors embedded on a flexible circuit. For example,FIG. 22 represents light emitting device 31. However, it should beunderstood that in the example embodiment all the light emitting devicesare generally similar. Light emitting device 31 includes an array ofLEDs 304 connected through a circuit on a flexible substrate such as apolymide film, for example, DuPont Kapton® material, and includes aflexible connector portion 306. The flexible connector terminates in anelectrical connector 308. Electrical connector 308 is releasablyconnectible to a driving circuit or other electrical circuit in themachine which operably connects to one or more controllers for purposesof controlling the illumination of the light emitting device.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the example embodiment the light emitting deviceincludes three different color LEDs. These LEDs are red, green andyellow, which are represented by “R,” “G,” and “Y” in the figures asshown. As represented in FIG. 23, in the example embodiment the LEDs arein an array such that LEDs of only one color are vertically alignedalong a single line of the light emitting device. For example, as shownin FIG. 23, a line 310 comprises a line of vertically aligned red LEDs.As shown in FIG. 23, a line 312 is a line of only green LEDs, and a line314 of only yellow LEDs. As shown in FIG. 23, in the example embodimentthe lines repeat so that there are five vertical lines of each colorLED. It should be understood that while in the example embodiment theLEDs of each color are arranged in vertically aligned relation; in otherembodiments other arrangements such as horizontal alignment or othermatrices of LEDs may be used. It should also be appreciated thatalthough the LEDs are connected electrically in series as shown in FIG.24, the electrical connections on the flexible circuit provide forspaced vertically aligned pairs of LEDs of only one color.

As shown in FIG. 25, in the example embodiment the light emittingdevices are supported in a flexible web. The web is thin in thepreferred embodiment, having a thickness of approximately 1.20millimeters. This facilitates the positioning of the light emittingdevices on the user interface. In the example embodiment, LEDs which arerepresented 316 and 318 are mounted on a base layer 320 including thecircuit on a flexible substrate. An outer layer 322 which in the exampleembodiment comprises a polyester layer overlies the LEDs. A spacer 324extends between the base layer and the outer layer. As best shown inFIG. 23 multiple spacers may be used. In the example embodiment thespacers are positioned outboard of the LEDs and include openings 326 tofacilitate positioning the light emitting devices on the machine. Thismay include, for example, extending pins, studs, or fastening devicesthrough the openings so as to secure the light emitting devices in theproper position. Further, in the example embodiment the release layerincludes an underlying adhesive layer 328. The adhesive layer enablesattaching of a light emitting device to a selected area within themachine. The adhesive layer is initially exposed for purposes ofattaching the light emitting device by removal of an adhesive releaselayer 330 as shown in FIG. 25.

In an example embodiment the light emitting devices are attached tocomponents of the machine with which they are associated. This may bedone, for example, by using modular construction for the transactionfunction devices within the machine and attaching the particular lightemitting device to the associated module. For example, FIG. 18 shows thecash accepting device 80 which is arranged as a modular device forpurposes of processing sheets that may be received in the machine. Inthe example embodiment the associated light emitting device 41 ismounted in supporting connection with the module. The adjacent fasciaarea of the machine provides an opening through which the light emittingdevice may be viewed when it is in the operative position. In someembodiments the fascia of the machine may include a transparent ortranslucent material separating the light emitting device from theexterior of the machine.

However, in other embodiments the light emitting devices may be exposedon the exterior of the machine. The attachment of the light emittingdevices directly to the modular components of the machine may facilitateassembly and service of the machine. Placing the light emitting devicedirectly on the module of the transaction function device with which itis associated, may reduce the amount of wiring and connectors needed forpurposes of assembly and service.

In the example embodiment the multicolor light emitting devices areoperated under the control of one or more controllers in the machine.Each light emitting device is operated to emit light of a selected colorand/or in a selected manner responsive to the operative condition of anassociated transaction function device. For example, exemplary machinesmay be selectively programmable to emit a particular color lightresponsive to a given operative condition. For example, the lightemitting device adjacent to the card reader may emit green light when itis ready to receive the card of a user, and then change to a yellowlight after the card has been received therein. Alternatively or inaddition, lights of a different color may flash or alternate to reflectconditions of a particular device. Further, for example, in the event ofan improper action such as a user attempting to insert a card into thecard reader incorrectly, the controller may be programmed to have theassociated light emitting device emit red light or otherwise flash acolor of light so as to indicate to the user that they have donesomething improper. Similarly, if a particular transaction functiondevice is malfunctioning or not available, red light may be output.

In some example embodiments the controller may be programmed so as toilluminate the light emitting devices to guide a user in operation ofthe machine. This may include, for example, illuminating or flashing aparticular colored light to indicate a required user activity at aparticular location on the machine. For example, at a particular time inthe transaction the controller may cause to be output on the display anindication to the customer that they are to take their receipt. When themachine has delivered the receipt, the controller may operate to causethe light emitting device 31 associated with the receipt delivery toilluminate, flash or otherwise indicate to the user that activity isrequired by the user in the area of the receipt delivery slot.

In some example embodiments the controller may be programmed to causethe light emitting devices to selectively illuminate intermittently andfor a different duration depending on the operative condition of anassociated device. For example, if a user provides inputs so as torequest a cash-dispensing transaction, the light emitting device 43adjacent to the cash dispensing opening may illuminate in a yellowcondition as the machine operates internally to move bills toward thecash dispensing opening. Thereafter as the bills are pushed through theopening and presented to the user, the controller may cause the color ofthe light emitting device to change to green. In addition, thecontroller may cause the green light to flash so as to draw the user'sattention to the fact that the money is ready to be taken. Further, inan example embodiment, if the user has not taken their cash after acertain time and the machine is programmed to retract it, the controllermay cause the light emitting device to flash or may operate so as toflash different colors in an alternating fashion so as to capture theattention of the user prior to the money being retracted.

In other embodiments, the colors emitted by the light emitting devicesmay be selectively programmed based on aesthetic reasons. For example,if the entity which operates the machine has particular trade dressinvolving certain colors the controller may be programmed to have thelight emitting devices correspond with that trade dress. Thus, forexample, if the particular entity's trade dress color is green, themachine may be programmed to utilize the green LEDs as lead-throughindicators in prompting the user in how to operate the machine. Likewiseif a different operating entity with a similar machine utilizes yellowas part of their trade dress scheme, the controller may be programmed toilluminate the yellow LEDs in the light emitting devices as thelead-through indicators.

It should further be understood that although the use of three colors oflight emitting devices is shown, this is an example and in otherembodiments additional types of light emitting devices may be provided.In addition it should be understood that although light emitting devicesin the example embodiment are arranged so that only one color may beoutput from a given light emitting device at a given time, in otherembodiments provision may be made to illuminate multiple color LEDssimultaneously. In such arrangements, LEDs in primary colors may beincluded so as to achieve ranges of hue through color combinations. Thismay be done by illuminating multiple light emitting sourcessimultaneously and/or varying the intensity of such sources throughoperation of a controller so as to achieve various colors. This mayinclude, for example, providing for a gradual change in the hue of thelight emitting device in accordance with the status of the associatedtransaction function device. This may include, for example, providing anindication to the user of the status of the completion of a particulartask.

Combinations of two or more colors may also be selectively produced. Itshould also be understood that although LEDs are used as the lightsource in the example embodiment, in other embodiments of the inventionother approaches may be used. It should be understood that thestructures and operations described are examples and numerous otherstructures and methods may be used.

In some example embodiments, provision is made to facilitate a user'soperation of the machine and to minimize the risk of persons improperlyobserving a user or their activities. Such undesirable activities mayinclude, for example, unauthorized persons observing the user's input oftheir PIN number or other data. As shown in FIG. 26, fascia 12 of theexample embodiment includes a recessed area 332 in which the display,function keys, card reader and receipt outlet are positioned. Thisrecessed area 332 is illuminated by a light source 334. Light source 334provides illumination generally in the downward direction so as toenable the user to more readily view the locations of the input andoutput devices on the fascia of the machine.

In the example embodiment the fascia 12 includes a top panel portion 336which is positioned generally above the light source 334 and the userinterface of the machine. As represented in FIG. 26, the top panelportion includes a pair of convex mirrors 338, 340. The convex mirrors338, 340 are generally horizontally disposed and are positioned atopposed sides of the user interface. As represented in FIG. 27, a user342 operating the ATM 10 will generally have their body aligned with theuser interface 15 of the machine. As a result, the user is generallyenabled to view in the convex mirrors an area behind the user generallyindicated 343. The user is enabled to do this by looking in the mirrors338 and 340 to the user's left and right, respectively. By looking inthese mirrors, the user is enabled to generally see what is going onbehind them as well as in a transverse direction from the area directlybehind the user. This may enable the user to determine if one or morepersons are in their proximity as well as whether such persons may beattempting to observe the user or their inputs to the machine. In someembodiments where the machine is operated in an external environment,lighting sources may be provided in the area 343 to facilitate theuser's observation of persons who may be present therein.

It should be understood that the arrangement shown is an example and inother embodiments other mirror or observation arrangements may be used.In addition, in some embodiments provision may be made to maintain thecleanliness of the mirrors so as to reduce the risk that the user'sability to observe surrounding activities is impaired. These provisionsmay include, for example, automated devices which wipe the surface ofthe mirrors periodically. These may be external wiping devices or insome embodiments internal wiping devices. This may be accomplished, forexample, by having the convex mirrors be in supporting connection withone or more rotatable members that may be periodically rotated withinthe fascia by a motor or other moving device that operates responsive tothe controller so as to expose a new external surface. Cleaning deviceson the interior of the fascia may operate to wipe contaminants from thesurface of the mirror as it passes internally such that further rotationexposes a clean mirror surface to the user. This may include for examplecontact wiper blades that engage the surface of the mirror. Movement ofthe mirror surface such as rotation thereof in engagement with the wiperblades may serve to remove accumulations of dirt on the reflectivesurface. In some embodiments the mirror surface may be part of acylindrical body, and rotation of the body about a central longitudinalaxis may provide wiping action as the mirror surface moves paststationary wipers engaged therewith. In some embodiments the stationarywipers may be comprised of resilient material and/or may include movablemounting mechanisms so as to bias the wiper into engagement with themovable mirror surface. In alternative embodiments a reservoir ofcleaning solution may be provided within or adjacent to the machine. Asuitable pump or other device may be used to apply the cleaning solutionto the mirror surface as it is moved relative to the wipers so as tofacilitate the removal of dirt therefrom. Of course these approaches aremerely exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some embodiments the buildup of material on the mirror surface may bedetected to determine when there is a need for cleaning. This may bedone for example by providing a mirror that has some significant lighttransmission properties as well as light reflective properties in themanner of a half-silvered mirror. For example a radiation source andsensor may be positioned behind the mirror. In such embodimentsradiation emitted by the radiation source is partially reflected fromthe interior of the mirror surface and the magnitude of the reflectedradiation is sensed by the sensor. A buildup of dirt on the outersurface of the mirror changes the amount of radiation reflected from theinternal radiation source to the sensor. In some example embodiments thebuildup of dirt on the exterior mirror surface increases the magnitudeof radiation reflected from the internal mirror surface. This change inthe magnitude of reflected radiation is detected and used as the basisfor determining a need for cleaning the mirror. For example immediatelyafter cleaning the mirror the ATM controller or other processor maycause the emitter to output radiation and the sensor to sense themagnitude of internally reflected radiation from an internal surface ofthe mirror. This initial value is stored by the controller in one ormore data stores. Thereafter on a periodic basis, for example on a timedbasis or after each or a set number of transactions, the emitter mayagain output radiation and the level of reflected radiation sensed. Thecontroller may then compare the then current level of reflectedradiation to the initial value.

In response to sensing a difference greater than the set amount, whichdifference corresponds to an unacceptable level of dirt built up on anexterior surface of the mirror, the controller operates to provide oneor more signals. The signals result in the mirrors being cleaned. Suchsignals may include for example operating a device such as a motor orother mechanism so as to cause movement of the mirror to undergocleaning. Alternatively in some embodiments the controller may cause amessage to be sent to a remote servicer indicating a need for cleaningof the mirror surfaces on the fascia. In still other embodiments thecontroller may cause the machine to operate to try to clean the mirrorsthrough the internal cleaning mechanism and then test the reflectanceagain after the attempted self-cleaning. If the self-cleaning effortdoes not cause the reflectance value to reach the prior initial value orwithin a programmed range (indicating perhaps that the mirror has beenspray painted) the controller is operative to cause a message to be setto contact a remote servicer. Of course these approaches are merelyexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some other alternative embodiments the controller may sense for dirton a mirror through the use of mirrors or other reflective devices thatpass at least some significant amount of light therethrough from theexterior to the interior. One or more light sensors in operativeconnection with the machine controller are positioned behind the mirrorsurface. An external light sensor is positioned on the exterior of themachine to sense the level of ambient light. A controller is programmedto determine an unacceptable level of accumulation of dirt on the mirrorbased on the level of external ambient light that is sensed as passingthrough the mirror. This may be done for example by sensing themagnitude of the signal from the ambient light sensor and comparing themagnitude of ambient light to the magnitude of light sensed as reachingthe sensor located behind the mirror. As can be appreciated when littleor no dirt is accumulated on the mirror surface, the greatest amount oflight will reach the sensor behind the mirror. As dirt accumulates, thelevel of light transmitted will decrease. If the magnitude of the lightsensed as passing through the mirror and reaching the sensor relative tothe level of ambient light declines to a preset ratio or other value,the controller may then operate in accordance with its programmedinstructions to operate the necessary device to self-clean the mirror,generate signals so as to contact a servicer, or take other appropriateaction.

In further alternative embodiments one or more external ambient lightsensors may be in operative connection with the controller, and aninternal emitter and sensor behind a mirror surface that enables lightto pass therethrough may also be used. In such embodiments thecontroller may be programmed to analyze the amount of ambient light thatis expected to pass through the mirror and reach the sensor based on theambient light level. In such circumstances the controller can compensatefor the ambient light when sensing the level of reflected light from theinternal emitter. Such compensation may further help more accuratelydetect when there is a need for the mirror to be cleaned. Of course theparticular relationships and compensation levels will depend on theparticular mirror configuration. Alternatively or in addition in someexample embodiments, the controller may operate so as to sense the levelof ambient radiation and the magnitude thereof that passes through themirror to reach the sensor at a different time than when the controlleroperates the internal emitter and senses reflected radiation. Thecontroller may be operative to compare these two separate values and therelationship thereof and/or changes in reflectance and lighttransmissivity over time so as to determine when the mirror needs to becleaned. Of course these approaches are merely exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other embodiments the mirrors may be operative only duringtransactions or portions thereof. This may be done for example byproviding mirrors that are operative only when a person is sensed asadjacent the machine or the machine is involved in conducting aparticular portion of a transaction. For example a sensor such as asonic sensor, radiation sensor, weight sensor or other suitable devicemay detect a user in proximity to the machine. Upon sensing the useradjacent the machine the controller may be operative to cause one ormore mirrors to be exposed externally on the fascia of the machine. Thismay be done for example by having movable members in supportingconnection with the mirror surfaces driven by motors or other suitablemoving devices that are in operative connection with the controllers.Upon sensing a user adjacent the machine the controller is operative tocause the motors or other moving devices to cause the mirrors to moveinto an operative position so a user can view the area behind them.

For example in some embodiments the reflective surfaces which comprisethe mirror may be in supporting connection with a rotatable member. Therotatable member may be rotated when the customer is present at themachine so that the reflective surface is positioned so as to providethe user with a view of the area behind them. Further, when the customeris sensed as leaving the area of the machine, such departure of the useris sensed and the controller in response thereto is operative to causethe members that include the reflected surfaces to move so that thereflector surfaces are no longer exposed. Such an approach may providean advantage in that the mirror surfaces are exposed to the elementsonly during the times when transactions are occurring and therefore areless likely to accumulate dirt as quickly. In addition, in someembodiments wipers or other suitable cleaning devices may be providedadjacent to the reflective surfaces so that as the reflective surfacesmove the surfaces are wiped and cleaned so as to remain relatively dirtfree.

Although in some embodiments the reflective surfaces may move into theoperative position for a customer responsive to sensing a user adjacentto the machine, in other embodiments other approaches may be used. Thesemay include for example moving the mirror surfaces to the operativeposition only in response to certain actions or certain transactiontypes being conducted by the user at the machine. Alternatively or inaddition the mirrors may be moved to the operative position only inresponse to other conditions such as ambient lighting conditions, thetime of day and/or the sensing of persons or objects entering an areabehind the user in which persons or objects are sensed. Alternatively orin addition the controller may be programmed and appropriate sensors maybe provided to move the mirrors to the operative position based on thenature of the use being made by the user of the machine. For example ina machine that is intended for both drive up and walk up use,appropriate sensors may be positioned so as to sense whether the user ispositioned in a vehicle or has approached the machine on foot. This maybe done for example through proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, weightsensors or other suitable sensors. The controller may be programmed tomake a determination based on one or more sensor inputs whether the useris in a vehicle or is on foot. In situations where the user isdetermined to be in a vehicle the deployment of the mirrors to theoperative position may be deemed unnecessary because the vehicle mayserve to block access by unauthorized users to viewing the inputs thatthe user makes to the machine. Alternatively if the user is determinedto have approached the machine on foot, the controller may be operativeto deploy the mirrors to the operative position so as to assure that theuser can view the area behind them in which unauthorized persons may beattempting to view inputs to the machine.

In still other embodiments, alternative or additional provisions may bemade to further help to prevent the observation of inputs by users tothe machine. For example in some embodiments the machine fascia may beprovided with lighting that is directed rearward from the fascia outsideof the line of sight of the user. Such rearward directed lighting, whenactivated, may operate to obscure the view of unauthorized persons ordevices attempting to observe inputs by the user to a machine. Suchrearward directed lighting may be selectively operative when a user issensed as adjacent to the machine so as to reduce the risk of theinterception of the user inputs and/or to provide lighting in the areabehind the user. In other embodiments the controller may be programmedso as to be operative to initiate the rearward directed lighting onlyduring certain portions of the transaction where the user is conductingcertain activities. For example the controller may be programmed so asto activate the lighting when the user is providing an input of a PINnumber which unauthorized persons may wish to intercept. Further in someembodiments the rearward directed lighting may be activated only atthose times that the mirrors are moved into the activated position.Alternatively or in addition the lighting devices may be mounted insupporting connection with the mechanisms associated with the mirrorstructures. Further provision may be made in some cases so as to providemechanisms for cleaning the lighting devices as they are moved into theoperative position. Of course these approaches are examples and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used. Further, the principlesdiscussed may be used with other types of automated banking machines andin other circumstances other than those described in connection with theexample embodiment.

FIGS. 28-31 are directed to yet other example embodiments to furtherhelp to prevent the observation of inputs by users to the machine byunauthorized persons. As shown in FIG. 28 a user input device which inthe example embodiment comprises a keypad 18 comprising a plurality ofkeys, may be covered by a concealment device generally denoted 350. Asshown in FIG. 29, the concealment device 350 may include a body which isalternatively referred to as a casing 354, including top cover 358,first and second side walls 360, 362, respectively, and back wall 366which bound an interior area. Elements of the exemplary casing 354extend in generally surrounding relation of the keypad and in thisembodiment cooperate to form a viewing portal 370. A viewing portalcomprises an area in which a user can view the input device and theactuation thereof by the user such as by a user's fingers which arealternatively referred to herein as digits. In the example embodimentshown viewing portal 370 is formed by a gap between the top cover 358and back wall 366, although various other approaches may be used. Forexample, the top cover 358 may abut back wall 366 and viewing portal 370may be cut out of the top cover 358. Viewing portal 370 mayalternatively be an open slot, or it may be formed of transparentmaterial. Alternatively, the viewing portal may comprise othercombinations for indirect viewing and may include for example a cameraor other image device in the casing, and a display positioned in alocation for viewing only from a point of view of the machine user. Insome embodiments the display may be the display of the machine, such asdisplay 24. Alternatively the viewing portal may comprise one or moredisplays supported on the casing 354, the machine fascia 12 or otherlocation that limits viewing of the inputs being made only to themachine user.

The elements of casing 354 cooperate to define an interior area 374. Theuser input device or keypad 18 may be accessible to a user through handentry slot 376 which is bounded by the casing. The user in thisembodiment is enabled to extend one or several fingers and a portion oftheir hand in the slot to actuate the keys of the keypad.

With reference to FIG. 30, concealment device 350 includes an indirectviewing mechanism generally denoted 378. In this example embodiment, theindirect viewing mechanism 378 includes reflecting surfaces within theinterior area. A first mirror 380 is disposed on an interior surface ofthe top cover 358. A second mirror 382 may be positioned on an interiorsurface of back wall 366. In the example embodiment, first mirror 380 isoperable to reflect an image of user input device; in this examplekeypad 18 toward the back wall 366.

Second mirror 382 is operable to reflect that image so that it can beviewed through the viewing portal 370. The viewing portal 370 isarranged to allow a user to view the reflected image from a viewingposition in the user's line of sight 386. Thus indirect viewingmechanism 378 utilizes the properties of reflected light in order toallow a user to indirectly view inputs as they are being made by theuser's fingers to keypad 18. The double reflection of the image of thekeypad 18 presents an image in correct orientation to the user.

The arrangement and user's required body position necessary to extend ahand through the opening to actuate the keypad may prevent unwantedviewing of the user inputs from a position directly behind the user andthe casing 354 operates to cut down on sight lines from viewpoints onthe top and sides. In this example embodiment, input device 18 cannot bereadily viewed by a person other than one having a point of view of theuser of the banking machine, thus enhancing the security of any inputmade.

A user may thus use the automated banking machine with greaterconfidence that various inputs, including a PIN, may not be readilyviewed by another. Also, the example embodiments of the concealmentdevice 350 prevent unauthorized devices that may be positioned to viewthe machine fascia such as cameras, from viewing the input of the user'sPIN. In yet another example embodiment, an exemplary casing 354 isselectively positionable with respect to the user input device 18between a covered position, as illustrated in FIG. 27, and an uncoveredposition, as illustrated in FIG. 31. The casing 354 or a portion thereofmay be mounted in supporting connection with the fascia 12 via one ormore hinges 390 or other supports which enable movement thereof. In thisexample embodiment, hinge 390 extends between first side wall 360 andfascia 12 to allow selective positioning of casing 354.

Thus, in this embodiment if a user believes that the added security ofthe concealment device is unnecessary under the circumstances, thecasing 354 can be moved from its covered position to an uncoveredposition to allow direct viewing of the keypad 18.

In alternative embodiments the device may include a movable cover forsecurely providing access to the input device. For example the top cover358 may be mounted in movable supporting connection with the casing. Thetop cover may be movable to an open position such that the input devicebecomes more accessible when the cover is moved from a closed positionto an open position. In some embodiments based on the mounting, the sizeof the opening may be increased as the movable cover is moved from theclosed position to the open position. In some embodiments a user may beable to open and close the cover or other enclosure as they deem fit. Inalternative embodiments the casing may be held closed by a lock or otherlatching mechanism. The lock or latching mechanism may be opened by aservicer or other authorized person for servicing such as cleaning orother maintenance functions. Of course these approaches are examples andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In yet another example embodiment, an exemplary concealment device 350may include a lighting mechanism such as light 394, operable toilluminate interior area 374. The illustrated positioning of thelighting mechanism is merely exemplary and in other embodiments, otherapproaches may be used. For example, the lighting mechanism may beincorporated into the keypad 18, or may be mounted on the interior ofthe top cover 358. For example, the keypad may include a backlightingmechanism such that the keys are illuminated. Such an illuminationmechanism may be combined with a mechanism that detects unauthorizeddevices that are intended to intercept a user's inputs. Such a system isshown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/832,960 filed Apr. 27, 2004which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.Alternatively or in addition, embodiments may include backlighting ofthe input device and lighting of the interior area from a directionother than that of the face of the input device. Such apparatus may helpin viewing the user's fingers in actuating the keys of the keypad. Insome alternative embodiments lights of difference colors may be used tofurther aid in viewing the input device and the user's fingers. Forexample in some embodiments the keypad may be backlit in one color whilea light of a different color within the casing primarily illuminates theuser's fingers. This may make it easier to view the user's fingers inrelation to the keys of the keypad. Of course this approach is anexample of many that may be used.

In still other embodiments provisions may be made to facilitate viewingthe casing. For example in some embodiments, particularly those designedfor use in an outdoor environment, moisture may tend to condense withinthe interior area of the casing. In some embodiments devices forminimizing condensation may be provided. Such devices may include forexample, an air movement device such as a fan schematically indicated396. The fan may be operative responsive to a controller or other deviceto cause air movement in the casing and minimize condensation ofmoisture. In some embodiments a heater 398 may be provided to heat airwithin the casing. The heater may be operative responsive to thecontroller in the machine or other controller to heat the air within thecasing so as to reduce the risk of condensation.

In some embodiments sensors may be provided in or adjacent to the casingto detect conditions that likely result in condensation. These mayinclude temperature and/or humidity sensors that are used to senseconditions that result in condensation. In response to such conditionsthe heater and/or the fan are caused to operate. Alternatively or inaddition, sensor systems of the type previously discussed in connectionwith the detection of the need to clean the mirrors 338 and 340 may beused in connection with the reflective surfaces within the casing.

For example, such approaches may be used for detecting condensation onthe surfaces and may cause a controller to turn on and off the fanand/or heater as appropriate. Alternatively or in addition, signals fromtemperature and/or humidity sensors may also be used in the programsexecuted by the controller in deciding what actions to take.Alternatively in some embodiments, provision may be made for signalingthe need for cleaning the reflective surfaces in a manner similar tothat discussed in connection with the mirrors 338 and 340. Alternativelyor in addition, provisions may be made in some embodiments for providingfor automated cleaning thereof. It should further be understood thatalthough the fan and heater are schematically shown in the casing, insome embodiments such devices may be positioned within the housing ofthe ATM and suitable fluid conduits provided to achieve air flow and/orheating within the interior area of the casing. Of course theseapproaches are examples and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In some embodiments sensors may be provided to detect attempts toinstall unauthorized input interception devices. These may include forexample, sensors that sense radiation properties within the interior ofthe casing so as to detect installation of an unauthorized device fordetecting the pressing of keys. Alternatively devices for impartingvibration to the fascia and/or casing and sensing changes in vibrationproperties may be used to detect the presence of an unauthorized device.Alternatively or in addition, sensors which detect changes in levels orfluctuations in radio frequencies may be installed to detect theinstallation of a radio transmitter associated with an unauthorizedinput interception device. Approaches described may also be of the typedisclosed in the incorporated disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No.10/832,960.

Controllers in operative connection with such sensors which detectunauthorized input interception devices may be operative to notify aremote entity, modify operation of the machine, initiate countermeasuresto prevent input interception, invalidate user cards and/or cause themachine to cease operation. Of course these approaches are examples andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In alternative embodiments other approaches may be used to minimizeinterception of inputs by unauthorized persons. For example in someembodiments the reflective surfaces may be configured such that a userseyes must be positioned in a particular location to readily observe thekeypad and fingers. As a result, an unauthorized person or deviceattempting to observe user inputs in a position that is remote or evenrelatively close to a user's position cannot actually observe theinputs. This might be done for example by using contoured mirrorsurfaces that enable a clear image only from a point of view in aparticular location. In alternative embodiments the reflective surfacesand/or the casing may be made to be movable by the user.

This could be done through a movable mounting of the casing insupporting connection with the fascia of the machine such that the usercan precisely position the spot at which the inputs may be readilyobserved. In some alternative embodiments the keypad or other inputdevice may also be made movable such that the user can preciselyposition the portal for viewing. Such approaches may also make themachine more readily suitable for use by both left and right hand usersas well as persons of varying heights. Of course, these approaches areexamples of many that may be used.

Of course as previously discussed, some embodiments may have an imagingdevice in the casing and may provide outputs for viewing on one or moredisplays. In some embodiments provision may be made to enable a userthrough hand and/or finger movements to adjust the position of one ormore display screens or the position of the output image within a fieldof view such as on the machine display. For example, a display screenmay be positioned on the casing, and may be movable with or relative tothe casing to a desired position by the user to minimize the risk ofinput observation. Alternatively if an output though the display isused, the user may position a frame showing the user's fingers and inputdevice selectively on the display in a way that assures it is blockedfrom viewing by others.

In some embodiments the display screen may be operative only duringselected time periods during transactions when inputs to the inputdevice are possible or required. For example, an image of the keypad andthe user's fingers may appear only in a portion of the display during atransaction when the machine is in condition to receive confidentialinputs. For example, the image may be output when a user is required toinput a personal identification number (PIN). At other times the imageof the input device may not be presented. Alternatively one or moresensors may sense the introduction of the user's fingers into theinterior area of the casing and cause a controller to provide screenoutputs. This may be appropriate for example in situations where a userenters various inputs such as a PIN, amounts or other instructions atvarious times during various transactions.

Further, in some embodiments a controller may be programmed to sensethat a user is using voice guidance features for operating the machine.This might be done for operation of the machine by a visually impairedperson. In such circumstances the machine may sense that a user hasconnected headphones to a headphone jack on the machine to receive audioinstructions. In such embodiments the controller may operate to shut offor restrict viewing through the viewing device. This may include nothaving the image of the input device appear on the machine display orother screen. Alternatively in other embodiments the controller may notactuate the lights that enable viewing the input device in the casing.Of course difference approaches may be used depending on the particularembodiment.

It should be understood that while the example embodiment is discussedas being in connection with a keypad, other embodiments may be used withother types of banking machine input devices. FIGS. 32 and 33 disclosean alternative embodiment that prevents the unauthorized viewing ofcustomer inputs to a keypad of an automated banking machine. Thisexample embodiment includes a cover 400. Cover 400 overlies at least aportion of all of the keys 402 of a keypad 404. Cover 400 of thisexample embodiment includes a top portion 406. Cover 400 also includes apair of tapered side wall portions 408. Top portion 406 and wallportions 408 bound an opening 410. Opening 410 enables users to extendtheir digits through the opening generally in the direction of arrow Mso as to enable a user to engage all of the key engaging surfaces of thekeys which make up the keypad.

In this example embodiment the cover 400 is attached to a fascia 412.Fascia 412 includes a rectangular depression or recess 414. The taperedwall portions 408 terminate in inturned flange portions 416. In theexample embodiment the flange portions are sized so as to extend incorresponding shaped recesses or pockets within the recess 414 of thefascia. In the example embodiment the inturned flange portions 416engage the fascia in the pockets and are held in fixed engagementtherewith through adhesive or other fastening devices. As can beappreciated from FIGS. 32 and 33, the example embodiment provides forthe tapered side walls 408 to extend upward from the recess 414 in thefascia in close abutting engagement with the generally verticallyextending walls of the fascia which bound the recess. This helps tominimize the risk of vandalism in which the cover 400 is pried off thefascia.

In the example embodiment the top portion 406 is generally tapered sothat the top portion extends closer to the upper surface of the keyswhich make up the keypad with increasing distance from the opening 410.It should be understood however that the inner surface of the topportion remains sufficiently disposed from the keys so as to providesufficient digit access thereto. Also in the example embodiment thetapered side wall portions 408 taper inwardly with increasing distancefrom the surface of the keys and join with the top portion. In theexample embodiment the cover 400 is integrally formed of suitableplastic or other durable material. Of course in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

The exemplary cover 400 is constructed such that the tapered side wallportions 408 are comprised of generally nontransparent material whilethe top portion 406 is comprised of transparent material. This helps toassure that a user having a point of view of that of a user of themachine is able to view the keypad and the engagement of his or herdigits with the keys through the top portion. Persons attempting tointercept the inputs of the machine user generally do not have theability to intercept visual signals near the point of view of themachine user and are blocked from viewing the manual digit engagement ofthe keys by the generally nontransparent sidewalls 408.

In this example embodiment cover 400 includes on the top portion 406 aplurality of elongated outward extending projections 418. The outwardextending projections which are alternatively referred to herein as ribsextend generally along the direction of Arrow M. Extending between theprojections 418 are visual openings 420. In the example embodimentvisual openings also extend on the top portion outboard of the furthestprojection on each lateral side to the point where the top portionengages the tapered side wall portion. The visual openings provide forgenerally undistorted viewing of the keypad and the manual digitengagement of the keys by the user through the top portion. Theelongated projections 418 operate to distort the view of the keys byunauthorized persons not having the point of view of the machine user.Thus in the example embodiment even if an unauthorized person is able toplace a camera or other viewing device in reasonable proximity to thetop portion of the cover, the requirement to have the viewpoint of thecamera offset from the point of view of the user results in theprojections preventing the camera from having a clear view of the user'sinputs. Of course this approach is an example and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In some embodiments of the cover 400 the elongated projections 418 maybe configured so as to prevent the viewing therethrough even fromcertain points of view of a machine user. In such embodiments themachine user's view of the keypad from a narrow range of positions issufficient through the visual openings 420 to provide the necessaryinputs. In other embodiments the projections 418 may be configured sothat moderately distorted viewing is possible therethrough from thepoint of view of the machine user. In such cases the distortion from thepoint of view of the user is limited, while viewing from a viewpointangularly disposed from the machine user's point of view, issufficiently distorted so that it is not reasonably possible todetermine the user's manual inputs.

In alternative embodiments rather than having projections that extendoutward from the top portion of the cover, the projections may extendinwardly so as to provide sufficient distortion in viewing from otherthan a user's point of view to reduce the risk of inputs beingintercepted. In still other embodiments the projections may extend invarious directions and in different ways as is appropriate to achieve areduction in the risk of unauthorized viewing. In still otherembodiments projections may be included on covers so that although theentire cover is comprised of transparent materials, the projections areconfigured to make viewing through the cover reasonably impossible fromall but the desired point of view of the authorized machine user. Someembodiments may include features such as those previously discussed, tofacilitate viewing by the authorized user. This may include for example,providing lighting within the cover so as to facilitate viewing by theuser. Such lighting may include the provision of fiberoptic strands orother suitable light guides to facilitate the output of light of asuitable type so as to enable the provision of inputs by a user.Similarly fiberoptic outputs may be used to emit light from surfaces ofthe cover that help to obscure viewing of user inputs from viewpointsother than the user's point of view. This may be done selectively and attimes during transactions when the machine is in a state to receive userinputs. This may be accomplished by at least one processor in themachine controlling the output from one or more light sources.

Further alternative embodiments may also include provisions fordetecting and minimizing the risk of condensation within the cover. Thismay include for example, providing sensors for detecting condensationeither inside or outside the cover. This may include for example sensorswhich sense the transmission of the light through the cover or whichdirectly detect the presence of moisture. Such sensors may be inoperative connection with one or more processors within the machine sothat the machine can take appropriate steps to eliminate the problemand/or if the problem cannot be detected as having been remedied afterthe machine takes action, to cause the machine to notify an appropriateentity such as a service company. For example in some embodimentsprovision may be made for the machine to cause a flow of air to bedirected beneath the cover on a periodic or continuous basis. Such airflow may be controlled so as to minimize the risk of condensation orother conditions which obscure viewing through the cover. It shouldfurther be understood that the techniques described in connection withdetecting the accumulation of dirt on viewing mirrors may also beapplied to assuring the sufficient clarity of the top portion of thecover so as to enable operation of the machine by users. Of course theseapproaches are merely exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

FIG. 39 shows an alternative cover 422. Cover 422 is generallyconstructed and operated in a manner similar to cover 400 except asspecifically discussed. Cover 422 of this example embodiment has a topportion 424 and sidewall portions 426 comprised of generallynontransparent material. In this example embodiment top portion 424includes a plurality of parallel slots 428 which serve as visualopenings. In this embodiment the visual openings 428 are openingsthrough the top portion of the cover that are sized and spaced such thata user in a limited range of viewing positions at the user interface ofthe banking machine is enabled to see their manual digit engagement withthe keys of the keypad underlying the cover through the openings. Theexemplary openings are configured such that an unauthorized person orviewing device that is angularly disposed from the point of view of themachine user, is unable to adequately view the keys engaged by a userwhen performing a transaction. For example in this example embodimentunauthorized users attempting to intercept inputs from a viewpoint tothe side of the machine user do not have sufficient visual access to thekeys to see what keys are being engaged. However, the openings willenable the machine user to see what keys the user is pressing.

Of course it should be understood that this approach is an example andin other embodiments other approaches may be used. This may include forexample, providing visual openings of various dimensions, configurationsand sizes in lieu of the elongated openings shown. As can be appreciatedarrangements of visual openings of various shapes and sizes may providea machine user within a suitable range of points of view with anadequate view of the keys of the keypad while obscuring viewing byunauthorized users. As can be appreciated in example embodiments theability of the covers to require that a user position their head andeyes in a particular area to view digit engagement with the keys, urgesthe machine user to position their body at the machine in a way thatfurther blocks unauthorized observation of the user's inputs.

In alternative embodiments other approaches to producing the visualopenings may be used. This may include for example, embedding materialswithin the cover so that the cover includes certain areas that aretransparent and other areas that block viewing from a viewpoint disposedfrom the point of view of a user. Alternatively in some embodiments aplurality of structures, markings or other suitable devices may beincluded within the cover so as to only enable viewing therethrough froma permitted direction or location. This may include for example,achieving a light polarizing effect. Such effect may enable the personhaving the point of view of a machine user to be able to readily seethrough the top portion of the cover, while a device or person viewingthe cover from an angle of incidence beyond the narrow range of a user'spoint of view is unable to see through the cover. In still otherembodiments covers may implement electro-optic features to control thepoint of view from which user inputs can be detected. This may includefor example including liquid crystal materials in at least a portion ofthe cover. The opaque or visible properties of the cover with respect tothe field of view of the user may be controlled responsive to operationof at least one processor in the machine. For example the liquid crystalmaterial may be activated in a selected area of the cover to enableviewing therethrough. On other areas the liquid crystal material remainsopaque. In still other embodiments electro-optic properties such asproviding a polarizing effect or Fresnel lens effect may be achieved tolimit observation of the keys to a field of view of the user. In stillother embodiments liquid crystal material within the cover may be usedto provide a Fresnel lens effect which achieves magnification of thekeys for a user. This may be selectively controlled through operation ofa processor in the machine. Changes in magnification or focus effectsachieved with the liquid crystal may be based on the user inputs to themachine or data stored remotely of the machine which is operative todetermine when a particular user or user type is identified as operatingthe machine. For example if a user is sensed as connecting headphones tothe machine so as to operate the machine in response to audio outputs,the at least one processor may operate to obscure all viewing of thekeypad through the cover. Alternatively if a machine user indicates oris otherwise identified as one who requires magnification, the Fresnellens properties may be used to provide magnification. Of course theseapproaches are examples and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show yet another alternative exemplary keypad cover 430as well as an exemplary method used to install the cover on a fascia 432of an automated banking machine. Cover 430 of the example embodiment isgenerally similar in construction to cover 422 except that cover 430includes one relatively large opening 434 in the top portion thereof. Asrepresented in FIG. 38 opening 434 when the cover is installed overliesat least some portion of the keys 436 of the keypad 438. However, asshown in FIG. 38 a user is still enabled to view all of the keys fromthe point of view of a user operating the user interface of the machine.

A top portion 440 of the cover bounds the opening 434. Tapered sidewallportions 442 extend outward from the top portion as is the case with thepreviously described embodiments. The tapered sidewall portions eachterminate in inturned flange portions 444. In the example embodiment thefascia 432 includes a generally rectangular recess 446. The recess isbounded by generally vertically extending fascia walls 448 on eachtransverse side of the recess 446. The vertically extending walls extendfrom an outer fascia wall surface 447 to the fascia face within therecess. Extending between the keypad 438 and the fascia walls 448 on thefascia are a pair of pockets 450. In the example embodiment the pockets450 are recessed within the fascia face and extend below a plane inwhich the upper surfaces of the keys 436 generally extend when they arenot being depressed. The exemplary pockets are sized so that theinturned flange portions 444 are accepted into the pockets when thecover is installed.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 37 and 38, in the example embodimentwhen the cover 430 is to be installed, the cover is moved relative tothe fascia such that the flange portions 444 are engaged in the pockets450. The flange portions 444 serve as engaging portions which areaccepted in the pockets. In the example embodiment the cover 430 is heldin engagement with the fascia through adhesive which is applied in thepockets. This adhesive may be applied on media such as a suitable tapebased material or alternatively as a liquid or solid adhesive material.As can be appreciated the adhesive holds the cover 430 positioned asshown in FIG. 38 in engaged relation with the fascia. In the exampleembodiment the size of the flange portions and the pockets which areengaged hold the cover and fascia together are sized so as to minimizethe risk of the cover being pulled off due to vandalism. Further theproximity of the sidewall portions 442 to the fascia walls 448 of theexample embodiment minimize the risk of an unauthorized person pryingthe cover off the fascia. However, in the example embodiment ifsufficient force is applied to the cover to tear it off the fascia, thepockets are sized so as to allow the cover to be removed without causingpermanent damage to the fascia. This is achieved in an exampleembodiment by controlling the area of adhesive contact to the area ofthe pockets and the strength of the adhesive. This approach assures thatthe adhesive will release before the cover or the fascia breaks.Alternatively in some embodiments a similar result may be accomplishedby providing weaker areas in the cover at or above each of the flangeportions.

These weaker areas may serve as frangible portions that break inresponsive to applied force before other areas release or break. In someembodiments the point of breakage may be configured so that a new covercan be installed without removal of the prior flange portions. Forexample, the flange portions of the replacement cover may be attached tothe flange portions of the cover that has otherwise been tom away. As aresult a new cover can be installed through the method previouslydiscussed, generally without the need to make other repairs to thefascia of the banking machine. Of course it should be understood thatthese approaches are examples and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

FIGS. 34 through 36 and 40 show yet another alternative embodiment of anapparatus for reducing the risk of interception of a user's confidentialinputs through a keypad. In this embodiment an automated banking machineincludes a fascia 452. The fascia 452 includes a generally rectangularrecess 454 which is bounded laterally by a pair of fascia sidewalls 456.

The keypad 458 which includes a plurality of keys 460, is positioned soas to be manually accessible in the recess. As is the case with thepreviously described embodiment, users of the automated banking machineare enabled to provide inputs through manual digit engagement with thekeys of the keypad. The keys of the keypad generally extend within aplane which extends within the recess of the fascia.

This example embodiment comprises a pair of movable panels 462 and 464.The panels are disposed on opposed lateral sides of the keypad 458. Eachof the panels is mounted in supported connection with the machinethrough a hinge connection (not separately shown). The hinge connectionof the example embodiment comprises a structure which enables eachrespective panel to move rotationally about an axis of the hingeconnection adjacent to the area where the panel is connected to thefascia.

In the example embodiment panels 462 and 464 are enabled to be rotatedabout the hinge connection between a first position and a secondposition. The first position which is shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 is aposition in which the panels extend generally upwardly relative to thefascia so as to prevent viewing of a user's inputs through the keys,from a position other than the point of view of the machine user. In theexample embodiment shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 in the first position of thepanels, the panels also generally overlie some of the keys of thekeypad. In this way the panels are enabled to restrict viewing of thekeypad by unauthorized persons while at the same time enabling the userto view the keypad so as to provide their necessary manual inputs suchas a PIN number. It should be understood however that although theexample embodiment shows the panels extending at an angle in overlyingrelation of at least some of the keys of the keypad, other embodimentsmay provide for the panels to be in a different position so as torestrict viewing. This may include for example the panels moving to aposition generally perpendicular of the fascia and the plane in whichthe keys of the keypad extend. In some embodiments movement of thepanels to a position generally perpendicular to the keys may besufficient for purposes of restricting unwanted viewing of the keypad.

In the example embodiment the panels 462 and 464 are enabled to move toa second position shown in FIG. 34. In the position shown in FIG. 34 thepanels do not overlie the keypad and are not generally operative torestrict viewing from a wider range of viewpoints that are outside theviewpoint of a machine user operating the machine. The panels may bepositioned in the second position for purposes of a user providingnonconfidential inputs through the keypad such as amount data ortransaction selection data.

In some example embodiments, panels 462 and 464 are manually movable bya user at the banking machine. In such embodiments a user who is aboutto input confidential data may move one or both of the panels from thefirst position to the second position so as to reduce the risk ofunauthorized observation of the user's input of confidential data suchas their PIN number. Thereafter when the user has completed the PINnumber input the user may manually move the panels to the secondposition. Alternatively in this embodiment if the user is concerned thata person may be attempting to observe their inputs from a particularside of the machine, the user may elect to move only one of the panelsto the first position so as to obscure viewing from viewpoints on thatparticular side. Alternatively or in addition the user may move theirpoint of view to a side away from the panel in the first position. Inthis way the user can control the panels and reduce the risk ofobservation by other individuals. Of course in this embodiment the usermay also determine that no one is nearby and they wish to leave thepanels positioned in the second position at all times regardless of thenature of the inputs being provided through the keypad.

In example embodiments the panels 462 and 464 may be held in theposition in which they are manually placed through the effect ofgravity. Alternatively in other embodiments the panels may bespring-loaded so that for example they are held by gravity in the firstposition but when a user moves them rotationally beyond a particularangle, they are biased toward the second position. Alternatively each ofthe panels may be biased toward the first position as well as toward thesecond position depending on the angle to which they are manually moved.

Various approaches may be taken depending on the nature of the system.In some embodiments the panels and/or the structures which comprise thehinge connection may be attached to the fascia of the machine byadhesive or other materials that resist the removal of the panels, butare nonetheless frangible so that once excessive force is applied thepanels break away, reducing the chance of more substantial damage to thefascia. This can be done for example in the manner previously discussedby providing a hinged connection or other suitable connection through aflange portion which is held by adhesive in appropriately sized pocketsof the recess of the fascia. Thus if the machine is subject to vandalismand a panel is tom off, a replacement panel may be readily applied.Further it should be understood that while the example embodiment hasrectangular panels of the shape shown, other embodiments may includeother shaped panels or mounting mechanisms.

While the example embodiment may include manually movable panels, otherembodiments may include panels in operative connection with drives orother movement devices so as to automatically move the panels atappropriate times during transactions. Such a system is schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 40. In this system panel 462 is shown in operativeconnection with a drive 466 and panel 464 is shown in operativeconnection with a drive 467. Of course it should be understood thatdrives 466 and 467 may comprise suitable movement devices such asmotors, solenoids, actuators or other movement devices. Further suchdrives may include transmission mechanisms which limit the applicationof force to the panels and reduce the risk of damage in the event offorced manual movement of the panels or if the panels are prevented frommoving due to an obstruction. Various suitable force-limitingtransmission mechanisms may be devised that are suitable for theparticular embodiment by those having skill in the art.

In the example embodiment at least one processor operating in theautomated banking machine may operate in accordance with its programmingto determine when the machine is ready to receive a confidential inputfrom a user. This may include for example the at least one processordetermining that the machine has reached the point in its operationwhere the machine is in condition to receive the input of a PIN from auser. Responsive to this determination the at least one processor isoperative to cause the drives 466, 467 to move the panels 462, 464 intothe raised first position. In this raised first position, the panels areoperative to generally block viewing of inputs to the keypad from aviewpoint other than the point of view of the machine user. Likewise insome example embodiments the at least one processor may be operative todetermine when a machine user has completed the input of theconfidential data such as the PIN and to cause the drives to then movethe panels to the second position. Of course this approach is anexample.

It should be understood that in some embodiments the at least oneprocessor may be operative to move the panels to the first position soas to restrict viewing, not only for the input of PIN data but alsounder other circumstances where confidential inputs may be required.Further in some alternative embodiments the at least one processor mayoperate only to provide certain movement for the panels. For example insome embodiments rather than having the panels moved to the firstposition by the drive, the user may be able to manually move one or bothpanels to the first position. After the at least one processordetermines that the user has completed providing confidential inputs orthat the user has completed a transaction, the at least one processormay operate to cause the drives to move the panel that the user haspreviously manually moved to the first position, back to the secondposition. In alternative embodiments the at least one processor mayoperate to cause the panels to be moved to the first position at adetermined point in a transaction, but may rely on a user to manuallymove the panels from the first position back to the second position.Further yet in some other alternative embodiments, the drives may beoperative to move the panels but the transmission mechanism may be suchthat the user can override the drives and move the panels to positionsas the user may desire at certain times or at any time during atransaction. Of course these approaches are examples and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

It should be understood that embodiments described with movable panelsmay incorporate features like those previously described in connectionwith other embodiments. This may include for example provisions toprovide lighting to facilitate user operation of the machine. Suchlighting may be incorporated in the panels or in other locations of thefascia so as to facilitate user operation. Alternatively or in additionin other embodiments lighting may be provided through the panels or inother locations so as to provide outputs which are effective to obscurethe viewing of user inputs. This may be done for example by providingfiberoptic output points or other lighting from the outputs of thepanels.

It should be understood that in other embodiments the panels and fasciamay have other configurations. This may include for example, panels thatrotate to lie flush relative to a fascia surface when not in use.Alternatively, panels may be retractable relative to the fascia. Forexample, the panels may move generally vertically to raise and lowerthem relative to the key pad at appropriate times. In still otherembodiments panel structures may be made to expand and retract atappropriate times. Of course, other approaches and structures may beused.

In still other embodiments provision may be made for changing propertiesof the panels or the covers. This may include for example providing fora liquid crystal material to be encapsulated within the panels or othertypes of covers previously discussed. Such a liquid crystal material maybe acted upon by electrical fields so as to selectively change thematerial in various selected regions from transparent to opaque. Thisenables the machine for example, to enable a portion of a panel or acover to be made transparent upon the sensing of the user's digit in anarea adjacent to the keypad. Alternatively or in addition provision canbe made for sensing the position of particular digits within a cover oradjacent to a panel using sensors such as infrared, optical, ultrasonicor other suitable sensors. One or more processors associated with themachine may operate pursuant to the sensed location of the user's digitto render the liquid crystal material transparent only in the vicinityof the particular digit while keeping the remainder of the cover orpanel opaque so as to minimize the risk of unauthorized viewing. Otherembodiments may incorporate polarizing features or Fresnel lens effectsto achieve visibility from the point of view of the user while reducingthe risk of unauthorized observation. Of course as previously discussedFresnel lens effects achieved through liquid crystal may also provideother desirable properties including magnification or obfuscation. Inaddition responsive to operation of at least one processor in themachine the effects achieved may be varied responsive to operation ofthe machine. This may provide for example limiting observationcapabilities to the point of view of the machine user during input of auser's PIN while enabling greater visibility of other portions of thecover during other transaction steps. Of course these approaches areexamples.

Alternatively or in addition provision may be made for assuring thevisibility through such covers or panels using the principles previouslydiscussed for detecting or eliminating the buildup of dirt orcondensation. Further in alternative embodiments provision may be madeto minimize the effect of undesirable bacterial accumulation on the keysof the keypad. This may include for example providing for the dispersalof disinfectant material of a generally transparent nature onto thekeypad and within the interior and exterior surfaces of a keypad coverand panels. Aerosol materials including disinfectants may likewise beprovided in suitable locations adjacent to the keypad. This may beaccomplished for example through the programming of one or moreprocessors in the machine which enable a dispersal of an aerosoldisinfectant onto the keypad and adjacent structures on a programmedbasis. In some embodiments the machine may include a supply ofdisinfectant material. Suitable pumps and aeration devices may beprovided for delivering the disinfectant into and/or on the surfaceswhere bacterial growth is to be inhibited. Such dispersal of materialmay be accomplished responsive to operation of at least one processor ofthe machine to correspond to particular conditions. This may include forexample at times when the machine is not operating to conducttransactions. The at least one processor may also operate in accordancewith its programming to provide the antibacterial material whenenvironmental conditions are suitable such as temperature and humidityare within particular ranges. In still other embodiments the machine mayinclude a device for generating ozone. Such generation may be doneresponsive to operation of the processor and the ozone materialdelivered at appropriate times and in appropriate areas for purposes ofdisinfecting areas of the machine. Of course these approaches areexamples.

Alternatively or in addition air flow provided from the machine in thearea adjacent to a cover or panels so as to reduce the risk ofcondensation may also include the dispersal of an aerosol disinfectantinto the area adjacent to the keypad. Of course it should be understoodthat a supply of such disinfectant may be provided in the machine andmay be included for example so as to provide suitable disinfecting atpoints where users would generally be expected to come in contact withthe machine in addition to the keypad. This may include for example thearea adjacent to card readers, function keys, touch screens or otherlocations which provide user contact. Of course these approaches areexamples and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In some embodiments the machine may include a supply of disinfectantlotion that is suitable for application to a user's hands. The machinemay include a suitable pump and outlet in connection with the supplythat provides for output of the disinfectant lotion from the machine ina way that enables the user to rub the lotion on their hands. Forexample, the at least one processor associated with the machine may beprogrammed to offer a user an option through an output device of themachine to select to have the disinfectant dispensed from an outlet sothey can apply it to their hands. This may be done, for example, when auser indicates they are ending their transaction session, which mayinvolve the return of their card from the machine. In response to theuser indicating through an input to an input device that they wish tohave such lotion, the processor will cause the pump to operate todispense an amount of lotion to the user.

The user can then apply the lotion to their hands immediately after useof the machine. Alternatively, some embodiments may offer the user anoption to receive disinfectant lotion near the start of a transactionsession. This may include for example, in response to a user input. Thismay be for example, a manual input. Alternatively lotion may bedispensed in response to a sensor on the machine sensing a user'sefforts to disinfect the machine, such as with a portable ultraviolet(UV) light as later described. Alternatively the machine may beprogrammed to dispense disinfectant lotion to the user unless the userprovides an input indicating they do not wish to receive thedisinfectant lotion. Of course these approaches are examples.

In still other alternative embodiments disinfectant may be dispensed ina packaged form. This may include, for example, dispensing a containerholding the disinfectant for a user's skin from the machine. In someembodiments, the disinfectant may be an antibacterial liquid or gelmaterial included in a generally flat containers, similar to foil orplastic packages used for holding food items such as small quantities ofketchup or mustard, which can be dispensed from the machine. In stillother embodiments the disinfectant may be on cloth or other substrate,and dispensed in a packet comprised of foil, plastic or other fluidtight material. Alternatively, such packages may be attached to sheetmaterials which may be dispensed form the machine in a manner similar tobills, envelopes or other sheet materials. The container may bereleasibly adhered to, or made an integral part of the sheet material.This may enable the material to be stored in containers and dispensedfrom the machine in a manner comparable to notes and other sheets.Alternatively, such disinfectant material may be placed in or on sheetsor envelopes and dispensed in a manner like that shown for envelopes inU.S. Pat. No. 7,103,958, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety. The approach of the incorporated disclosuremay also be used to dispense to a user the disinfectant material in anenvelope or other container. The waste material after use can then beplaced in the container and discarded in a suitable waste container whenthe user is done. In some embodiments the machine itself may accept thewaste material therein for disposal. In some embodiments a machine usermay receive such disinfectant from the machine either at the beginningor end of a transaction session. Further the machine may be operative tocharge some or all users for such disinfectant material. This may beaccomplished through the programming associated with at least oneprocessor of the machine.

In example embodiments, to produce a suitable disinfectant, generallyflat fluid tight packets may be attached to sheets or envelopes ofmaterial which are sized to be dispensed by a sheet dispenser (orenvelope dispenser) in the machine. Such attachment may be through asuitable means that maintains engagement, such as by adhesive (forexample), staples or in the case of an envelope or other container,placing the package inside the envelope or container. The sheet (orenvelope which for purposes hereof will be considered sheet material) isthen placed in the machine for dispensing from the machine. The sheetmaterials with the disinfectant may be placed in a sheet holdingcassette of a type used to house currency notes form the machine. Thecassette may then be placed in the machine and the sheets withdisinfectant packages attached selectively dispensed to users.Alternatively the sheet materials may be placed in another location inthe machine from which they may be selectively dispensed.

Alternatively sheet materials may be formed to include integraldisinfectant holding packages. For example, sheet structures sized to bedispensed from the machine may be formed to include pockets therein inwhich disinfectant materials (or cloth or other substrates bearingdisinfectant materials) are housed. Such pockets may be bounded bymaterials which are generally fluid tight and hold the disinfectantsecurely until a user deliberately breaks the pocket to access thedisinfectant. For example, sheets with pockets may be formed by adheringsheet materials in a blister pack or other sandwich structure. Of coursethese approaches are examples.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be used in some embodiments to provide adisinfecting function for manual contact points on a machine. FIG. 48shows a fascia 540 which includes a number of manual contact points onthe machine which may come into contact with the fingers of usersoperating the machine. These contact points include function keys 542. Aplurality of function keys 542 are positioned on each side of a display544. In this example embodiment the function keys 542 are positionedbetween the display and a corresponding side surface 546 that extendsoutwardly from the fascia beyond the surface of the display in thefascia keys.

The exemplary machine in FIG. 48 also includes a keypad 548. Keypad 548includes a plurality of manually actuatable keys of the type previouslydescribed. Keypad 548 has in overlying relation thereof a keypad shieldor cover 550. Each of the keys of the keypad as well as the area withinthe keypad cover may be commonly contacted by user fingers in operationof the machine.

Also included in the exemplary user interface shown is a headphone jack552. Headphone jack 552 is adapted to receive plug in connectors fromheadphones used by visually impaired persons in the operation of themachine. An area adjacent to the headphone jack 552 will commonly becontacted by fingers of machine users particularly visually impairedusers. The exemplary ATM also includes a card reader of the typepreviously discussed which is in operative connection with a card readeropening 556. The card reader opening is operative to pass magneticstripe cards or other card types therethrough. In the example embodimentthe card reader opening is surrounded by a card housing 558. In theexample embodiment the card housing is of the type that includesselectively illuminatable light indicators therein so as to facilitatethe ability of users to insert and receive cards through the card readeropening. In still further embodiments the card housing may be of thetype that includes features that are usable to detect the installationof an unauthorized card reading device adjacent to the card reader. Forexample the housing may be of the type described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/722,067 filed Nov. 25, 2003, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The areaadjacent to the card reader opening which includes the card housingconstitutes an area in which machine users to generally contact themachine with their fingers during the course of operation thereof.

The exemplary machine shown in FIG. 48 also includes a receipt printer.A receipt printer is in operative connection with a paper outlet 560.The paper outlet area generally indicated 562, extends generallyadjacent to the paper outlet in an area where users will commonlycontact the machine fascia when taking receipts that are printed by themachine during transactions. A cash dispenser outlet 564 is operative todeliver cash from the machine to users. In this example embodiment thecash dispenser outlet is generally blocked by one or more gate members566 except when the machine is operating to deliver cash to a user.During such times at least one processor of the machine is operative tocause an actuator to move the gate member so that currency bills can beextended therethrough. A cash outlet area generally indicated 568includes an area that extends generally adjacent to the cash dispenseroutlet (and may include the outlet as well as the gate member thereof)and which users generally contact the machine with their fingers whenobtaining cash from the machine.

In this example embodiment the machine further includes at least onecustomer sensor schematically indicated 570. Customer sensor 570 isoperative to sense users in proximity to the machine. In someembodiments the customer sensor 570 may include an optical sensor, asonic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, inductance sensor or other typesensor suitable for detecting the presence of a person. It should beunderstood that although the sensor shown is positioned on the fascia,other positions and types of sensors may be used. These may include forexample, cameras in connection with devices which conduct analysis ofimage data that identify images that include a person adjacent themachine. Other types of customer sensors such as weight sensors, heatsensors or other types of sensors may be used. In the example embodimentthe customer sensor is in operative connection with the at least oneprocessor of the machine so as to carry out steps such as those that arehereinafter described.

In this example embodiment a plurality of UV light sources arepositioned so as to emit UV light onto surfaces of the machine that arecommonly contacted by users' fingers in the course of conductingtransactions. In some example embodiments a plurality of UV lightsources that output ultraviolet light in one or more of the UV-A, UV-Band/or UV-C bands may operate to cause ultraviolet light to be emittedin a manner that contacts surfaces of the machine. Such UV light contactmay be of sufficient length and intensity to kill germs and provide adisinfecting function on the surfaces of the machine that are routinelycontacted by user fingers.

In the embodiment represented in FIG. 49, a UV light source 572 shown inphantom, is positioned in supporting relation of the side surface 546 onthe right side of the fascia as shown. The UV light source 572 isoperative to cause UV light to contact the area of the fascia indicatedby the circular area 574. Area 574 includes function keys 542 on theright side of the fascia. A further UV light source 576 shown in phantomis in supporting connection with the opposed side surface 546. UV lightsource 576 emits UV light that contacts an area schematically indicated578 which includes the function keys 542 on the left side of the fascia.

In this example embodiment the machine further includes a UV lightsource 580 in supporting connection with the keypad cover 550. UV lightsource 580 is selectively operative to output UV light and is operativeto cause the UV light to contact an area 582 that includes the keys ofthe keypad. It should be understood that in still other embodiments UVlight sources may be positioned so as to cause UV light to contact thecard area in the area of the card housing 558, the paper outlet area 562and/or the cash outlet area 568. Of course in other embodiments other ordifferent areas may be contacted by UV light so as to achievedisinfecting of other customer contact points.

In the example embodiment each of the UV light sources is in operativeconnection through appropriate circuitry with at least one processor inthe machine. The at least one processor operates in accordance with itsassociated programming to selectively cause the UV light sources tooperate and output such UV light in a manner that will facilitatedisinfecting the areas of the machine that are contacted by the UVlight. In some example embodiments UV light sources may also be includedin the interior of the machine housing. This may include for example UVlight sources that are operative to contact currency bills that arebeing accepted into and/or dispensed from the machine. In suchembodiments one or more UV light sources may be operative to cause UVlight to contact currency bills moving through one or more transports inthe machine. This will help to assure that currency bills received fromusers receive the benefit of disinfecting UV light contact prior to bestored in the machine. Likewise UV light sources in the machine maycause the UV light to contact passing bills that are moving toward amachine outlet so as to be dispensed from the machine. This will help toassure that bills received by customers are treated prior to receiptthereby.

Alternatively or in addition UV light sources within the machine may beoperated to disinfect an area inside a card reader in which cardsreceived from users pass during operation of the machine. This mayinclude for example a card transport area through which user cards aremoved to read such cards and hold them during operation of the machine.Such a card transport area as well as devices therein are shown in U.S.Pat. No. 7,032,245 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. In some example embodiments the UV lightsource may be operative to cause UV light to contact structures withinthe card transport area of a card reader during times that user cardsare not positioned therein. Alternatively or in addition, UV lightsources may be operated to cause UV light to contact user cardspositioned within the transport.

In still other embodiments UV light may be used to disinfect other typesof items that are received by or dispensed from the machine. Further insome embodiments other disinfectant techniques of the types previouslydescribed or other approaches may be used in combination with UV lightto disinfect items internally or externally of the machine as well as todisinfect points of manual contact with the machine.

In some example embodiments the UV light sources are in operativeconnection with the at least one processor to facilitate operating theUV light sources at appropriate times. This includes for example,operating the UV light sources within the machine at times when itemsare being moved to be dispensed from the machine such as currency bills.The at least one processor may be operative to cause the UV lightsources within the machine to disinfect the currency bills as they aremoving toward the cash outlet opening in the machine. Likewise the atleast one processor may be operative in accordance with its programmingto cause a UV light source positioned adjacent to a card reader and acard transport area therein, to cause UV light to contact a user's cardin the card transport path as it is moved or otherwise positionedtherein.

Likewise the at least one processor may operate at appropriate times tocause UV light to operate and disinfect items received by or dispensedfrom the machine. The at least one processor may also be in operativeconnection with the UV light sources that operate to cause UV light tocontact manual contact areas of the machine so as to disinfect thoseareas of the machine. This may be done in some example embodiments aftereach transaction session carried out by the machine. In this exampleembodiment a transaction session includes one or more transactionactivities carried out by a given user at the machine between when theuser's card is input to a card reader of the machine and a time when thecard is taken from the machine. For example the at least one processormay operate in accordance with its programming to determine that theuser has completed the transaction session and has taken their card. Theprocessor then operates to cause each of the UV light sources to outputUV light that contacts the respective associated manual contact pointsof the machine. This may be done for a time period as is appropriate todisinfect the areas contacted, which is generally a short period oftime. During this period the at least one processor may operate to causethe display of the machine to output at least one message instructingany users who may be waiting at the machine to wait while the machineoperates to conduct the disinfecting activities. Of course it should beunderstood that in some embodiments the display may not output a messagespecifically indicating the particular disinfecting activity that isoccurring. Once the activity is complete the at least one processor mayoperate to provide indicia which includes instructions for the waitinguser to begin their transaction session. Of course this approach is anexample.

In still other embodiments the at least one processor may operate inaccordance with its programming to determine the nature of thetransaction conducted by the user who has completed the immediatelypreceding transaction session. The at least one processor may beprogrammed to have the capability to determine exactly what manualcontact points the user contacted in the course of performing theirtransaction. For example the user may have only contacted function keyson the one side of the display rather than both sides. Likewise the usermay have conducted transactions that would not have resulted in the userreceiving a receipt, and thus the user would not have contacted thepaper outlet area 562 of the machine. In such embodiments the at leastone processor may operate in accordance with its programming to onlycause the UV light sources corresponding to the particular areas thatwould have been manually contacted by the user to output UV light thatcontacts the corresponding machine contact areas. Such an approach mayserve to reduce the number of cycles in which UV light is output andalso reduce the exposure of the particular areas of the machine to theUV light which may have a tendency to degrade certain materials overtime.

In still other embodiments the at least one processor can operateresponsive to sensing a customer with the customer sensor 570 to causethe UV light sources to operate prior to the user commencing atransaction. For example upon sensing a customer approaching the machinethe at least one processor may cause the display to output at least onemessage advising the user to wait for a brief period while the machineis disinfected. During at least a portion of the time that this messageis output the at least one processor may be operative to cause the UVlight sources to disinfect the areas of the machine with UV light. Afterthe disinfection activity has occurred the at least one processor maythen be operative to output through the display at least one messageadvising the user to insert their card or otherwise initiate atransaction session.

Alternatively or in addition embodiments may also operate to disinfectuser contact areas both before and after transaction sessions. The usermay also be offered disinfectant lotion or the dispense of adisinfectant material. Of course these approaches are examples. In stillother embodiments other approaches may be used to facilitatedisinfecting user contact surfaces of machines. FIG. 50 shows a handheldUV emitting unit 584. The exemplary handheld unit 584 is designed to bea relatively small size and suitable for a user to carry around in apocket, on a key ring or in another manner similar to a small portableflashlight or similar device. The handheld unit 584 includes inputdevices 586 that are used by a person to control operation of thehandheld unit. The input devices 586 are operative to selectively causethe unit to output disinfecting UV light as schematically represented bythe area 588.

In an example embodiment a user may use the handheld unit 584 toselectively disinfect manual contact areas on a machine beforecommencing a transaction session. For example as represented in FIG. 51the user may direct a handheld unit to output UV light that contactssurfaces of the keypad cover and keypad. This may be done to enable theuser to disinfect the areas that they wish to contact on the machinebefore commencing a transaction session or during a transaction session.Likewise the user may operate the handheld device to selectivelydisinfect other manual contact areas on the machine.

Further in some example embodiments the fascia may include one or moresensors schematically indicated 590. In the example embodiment thesensors 590 are operative to sense UV light of the type that would beoutput by a handheld unit of the type described. Such sensors 590 are inoperative connection with appropriate circuitry including the at leastone processor. This enables the at least one processor to determine thata person is disinfecting areas of the machine. In some embodiments theat least one processor of the machine may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to perform various functions in response to sensing thedisinfecting action by the user. Such actions may include for examplecausing the processor not to actuate the UV light sources on the machinein response to sensing that the user is disinfecting the machinedirectly. This will avoid unnecessary operation of the UV light sourcesand help to prolong their useful life. Alternatively or in addition theat least one processor may operate to cause at least one output througha display that indicates to the user that the machine has sensed thatthey are disinfecting the machine and to instruct the user to inserttheir card when they are ready to proceed. Alternatively the machine mayoperate to offer the user a dispense of disinfectant.

Alternatively in some embodiments the at least one processor may operatein response to sensing the disinfecting activity by the user to causethe UV light sources on the machine to also operate. The at least oneprocessor may cause an output through the display in such circumstancesto indicate to the user that they need not disinfect the contact areasof the machine with their handheld unit as the machine is doing soautomatically. Such instructions would save the user the time andinconvenience of disinfecting the contact points themselves. It wouldalso give the user greater confidence that the machine is adequatelyperforming disinfecting activities. Of course these approaches areexamples and in other embodiments other approaches that may be used.

FIGS. 43 through 44 disclose yet a further embodiment of the device forreducing the risk of unauthorized interception of user inputs providedthrough a keypad of a machine. A further fascia 470 includes a keypad472 including a plurality of keys that are actuatable by a user'sdigits. A cover 474 is used to minimize the risk of unauthorizedinterception of inputs through the keypad. Exemplary cover 474 includesa pair of tapered side wall portions 476. Side wall portions 476terminate in inturned flange portions 478. Inturned flange portions 478are attached to the fascia. Such attachment may be made in a manner likethat previously discussed. Cover 474 includes a top portion 480. The topportion 480 is tapered in a manner generally similar to that discussedin connection with cover 430. The top portion 480 and side wall portions476 bound an opening 482. Opening 482 overlies at least portions of someof the keys of the keypad in the example embodiment. The opening 482also enables an ATM user to view engagement of their digits with all ofthe keys of the keypad.

As best shown in FIG. 43 the cover 474 includes a flap portion 484. Inthe example embodiment, flap portion 484 is bounded on each transverseside by a slot 486. In the example embodiment the cover 474 is comprisedof a flexible material such as a molded urethane. The flexible materialof this example embodiment is sufficiently rigid to generally maintainits shape when a user's hand and/or digits are not present within thecover. However, in the example embodiment the flexible nature of thecover 474 enables a user to deform the cover through engagement withtheir hand and/or fingers when providing inputs to the machine.

For example in the example embodiment the flap portion 484 is enabled tobe deformed by the back of the user's hand or fingers in a directionthat is generally upward and outward. The slots 46 facilitate theability of the flap portion to move as desired by a user. Thedeformation of the flap portion may in some embodiments enable a user tomore readily view keys of the keypad that are positioned beneath theflap portion in the undeformed condition of the cover. Likewise a user'shand can deform the side wall portions of the cover to facilitate accessand observation to selected keys. This approach can facilitate operationof the machine by the user. Further in example embodiments thedeformability and resilient character of the cover may prevent damageand breakage to which covers of more rigid material may be susceptible.Of course it should be understood that although in the embodimentdescribed the entire cover is comprised of flexible material, in otherembodiments only selected portions may be comprised of such materialwhile other portions may be comprised of more rigid materials. Further,this example embodiment may be combined with features of other coversand security devices that are described herein.

In still other embodiments a cover may be provided that is selectivelymovable responsive to at least one processor in the machine betweendifferent shapes. For example in an example embodiment a cover overlyingthe keypad may be selectively changed between an operative position inwhich a user can access with their digits all of the keys of the keypad,and a collapsed position in which at least some of the keys of thekeypad cannot be accessed by a user.

This may be accomplished in example embodiments responsive to one ormore processors of the machine that operate to place the cover in anoperative position when the machine is in a state in which it is able toaccept keypad inputs from the user. Similarly in some embodiments the atleast one processor may cause the cover to be in the collapsed positionwhen the machine is not in an operative position to accept keypad inputsfrom the user. In the collapsed position the cover may operate to helpto protect the keypad from vandalism, the elements or other undesirableconditions. Of course this approach is an example.

FIG. 45 shows an alternative keypad cover 488. Cover 488 is comprised ofsuitable flexible material that enables the deformation thereof. Cover488 includes a plurality of members 490 in supporting connectiontherewith. In the example embodiment the members 490 may be comprised ofshape memory alloy material of a type that changes between differentshaped configurations based on the application of electrical energythereto. In the example embodiment of cover 488, the members are inoperative electrical connection with a driver 492 which is operative toprovide suitable electrical energy to cause the members 490 to changefrom a first shape to a second shape. The at least one driver 492 is inoperative connection with at least one processor 494 of the automatedbanking machine. Processor 494 may in some embodiments include theprocessors and the controllers that operate to cause the machine tocarry out the transaction functions. In other embodiments the at leastone processor 494 may include one or more processors that are other thanthose that primarily cause the machine to carry out transactions, but isin operative connection therewith.

In the example embodiment when the machine is carrying out transactionfunctions in response to at least one processor, the cover 488 may be ina collapsed position as shown in FIG. 44. In the collapsed position theside walls and top portion of the cover are disposed in close overlyingrelation of several keys of the keypad. The inner face of the side wallsand top portion are also disposed in close adjacent relation of the keysso as to generally prevent digit access to at least some of the keys ofthe keypad. Of course in some embodiments even with the cover in thecollapsed position at least some keys of the keypad may be digitaccessible. This is represented by keys 496. Of course this approach isan example.

When the machine operates to conduct transactions and/or the transactionflow reaches a state in which the machine is ready to accept acustomer's personal identification number (PIN), numerical values orother inputs through the keypad, the at least one processor 494 isoperative to cause the driver 492 to actuate the members 490. Uponactuation of the members the flexible material of the cover 488 deformsand changes shape such that the cover of the example embodimentgenerally corresponds to the shape of cover 474. In this operativeposition the user of the machine is enabled to access with at least onedigit all of the keys of the keypad and to view digit engagement witheach of the keys from the point of view of the user.

In an example embodiment the at least one processor of the machine isoperative to cause the cover 488 to remain in the operative positionthroughout the user transaction session. For example the cover mayremain in the operative configuration while the user inputs their PIN,numerical values and other inputs until the user indicates to themachine that they do not wish to conduct any further transactions.Thereafter the at least one processor 494 operates to cause the at leastone driver to change the shape of the member 490 and in response whenthe cover 488 returns to the collapsed position. Of course this approachis an example.

It should be understood that covers which are changeable between anoperative position and a collapsed position may operate using othertypes of structures to achieve changes in shape. FIG. 46 shows anexample embodiment of a cover 498. Cover 498 includes a plurality offluid cavities 500 therein. In the example embodiment the fluid cavitiesare embedded in the flexible cover and are fluidly connected to oneanother as well as to a port schematically indicated 502. In thisexample embodiment the port 502 is operative to selectively apply andrelease fluid pressure to the fluid cavities in the cover. Of course itshould be understood that this approach is an example.

In this embodiment the port 502 is operative to have fluid pressureapplied thereto and relieved therefrom responsive to a three-way valveschematically indicated 504. Valve 504 is in fluid communication with afluid source 506 such as a small air compressor included in the machine.Of course in other embodiments other sources of compressible orincompressible fluid may be used. In the example embodiment the fluidsource 506 and the valve 504 are in operative connection with at leastone processor 508. Processor 508 may in some embodiments comprise theprocessor which executes instructions to cause the machine to carry outtransactions, or may be a separate processor in operative connectiontherewith.

In this example embodiment the cover 498 is operative to change betweenan operative position in which a user is enabled to access with at leastone digit all of the keys of the underlying keypad, and a collapsedcondition in which digit access to at least some of the keys of thekeypad are prevented. This is accomplished in the example embodimentthrough operation of the at least one processor 508 causing the fluidsource 506 and the valve 504 to apply fluid pressure to port 502. Inthis example embodiment the fluid pressure is transmitted to the fluidcavities 500 which causes the cover 498 to change shape to the operativeposition. In the operative position a user may provide inputs throughthe keypad. Thereafter responsive to operation of the machine and thestate thereof in which a machine user no longer needs to provide inputsthrough the keypad, the at least one processor 508 changes the conditionof the valve 504 to relieve fluid pressure from the port 502 and thefluid cavities 500. This causes the exemplary cover 498 to change to thecollapsed condition. Of course it should be understood that elasticmaterials or other biasing mechanisms as well as the drawing of vacuumon the fluid cavities may be provided in some embodiments to facilitatethe contraction of the cover into a collapsed position.

It should be understood however that the use of shaped memory membersand fluid pressure to change the configuration of the cover and othersecurity devices associated with input devices of a machine, are merelyexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used. FIG. 47shows yet a further embodiment. This embodiment may be used inconjunction with features of other embodiments described or incorporatedby reference. FIG. 47 shows a keypad 510. Keypad 510 of this embodimentcomprises a plurality of keys 512 through which an ATM user can provideinputs by accessing the keys with manual digits. Keypad 510 may be of aconfiguration like that described in other embodiments herein.

The keypad 510 of an example embodiment comprises an encrypting PIN pad(EPP) which is selectively operative to receive inputs through the keys,and encrypt corresponding key input signals within the keypad so thatthe output from the keypad is encrypted. This approach may be used insome embodiments to reduce the risk that a criminal could decipher ATMuser inputs such as a user's PIN. The keypad 510 of the exampleembodiment is also selectively operative to provide unencrypted outputsresponsive to user inputs through the keys. This is done in the courseof transactions where the inputs of a user are not necessarilyconfidential, such as inputs corresponding to amount data related totransactions a user is conducting, transaction selections or otherinputs of a type that would not allow a criminal to compromise securityfor a user's account or other personal data.

In the example embodiment the keypad 510 includes at least one internalprocessor 514. The processor 514 is in operative connection with the atleast one data store 516. In an example embodiment the data store mayinclude digital certificates, at least one public key and at least oneprivate key. The at least one data store 516 may also include otherprogrammed instructions that facilitate maintaining the security of thekeypad as well as the machine. Example embodiments of the keypad mayinclude features of those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/126,808 filed Apr. 19, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. Of course this approach is anexample.

In this example embodiment the keypad 510 is in operative connectionwith at least one processor 518. Processor 518 of the example embodimentis in operative connection with at least one data store. Processor 518is also in operative connection with a plurality of transaction functiondevices schematically indicated 522. The transaction function devicesmay include devices that operate in the machine responsive to the atleast one processor 518. These devices may include for example some orall of a display, a card reader, cash dispenser, depository, checkacceptor and other devices operative in the machine to carry outtransactions.

In this example embodiment the at least one processor 518 executesprogrammed instructions stored in at least one data store and which areoperative to cause the machine to carry out transactions. Asschematically indicated, the at least one processor 518 is operative tocommunicate through at least one appropriate interface in a network 524.Network 524 enables the machine to communicate with at least one remotecomputer schematically indicated 526. The at least one remote computerwith which the machine communicates may include for example, a financialtransaction computer which transfers funds and keeps track of accountsheld by users of the machine. Of course it should be appreciated that invarious embodiments the machine may communicate through numerousdifferent networks and with numerous different remote computers. Theconfiguration shown in FIG. 47 is merely schematic.

In example embodiments the at least one processor 518 is in operativeconnection with a visual indicator 528. Visual indicator 528 of anexample embodiment comprises a light emitter which is changeable betweenilluminated and unilluminated conditions. The visual indicator 528 isincluded in the user interface of the machine. In some embodiments itmay be operatively connected to the processor through the keypad asshown, or may be connected in other ways. In addition in some exampleembodiments other types of visual indicators may be used. These mayinclude for example changeable signage indicators, outputs through thedisplay of the user interface, mechanical indicators or other suitableindicators to indicate to a user that inputs they provide at certaintimes during transactions are being encrypted.

In the example embodiment the at least one processor 518 is operative tocause the machine to carry out transactions. In an exemplary transactionflow the machine may output one or more instructions through the displayto indicate to the user that the machine is ready to receive aconfidential input such as a user's PIN. Responsive to the at least oneprocessor being in this condition the processor sends at least onesignal to the keypad 510 which causes the keypad to encrypt the inputsthereto prior to delivering signals corresponding to such inputs to theat least one processor. In the example embodiment the at least oneprocessor is operative responsive to providing the output which causesthe keypad to encrypt inputs, to also cause the at least one visualindicator 528 to provide a visual output. This visual output indicatesto the user that the inputs that they are now providing through thekeypad are encrypted.

In the example embodiment the at least one processor providesinstructions through a display or other output device to the user whichinstructs the user to input their PIN, and when they are done to providean end input. This may include for example pressing a particular key ofthe keypad or other key or input device of the machine. In the exampleembodiment responsive to receipt of this end input the at least oneprocessor is operative to send at least one signal that causes thekeypad 510 to cease its encrypting functions. Further the signals fromthe at least one processor are also operative to cause the at least onevisual indicator 528 to change its condition as well. This indicates tothe machine user that inputs through the keypad are no longer beingencrypted. Of course this approach is an example.

In further transaction steps the at least one processor 518 may provideinstructions to a user through a screen or other output device. Theseinstructions may include instructions for a user to input selectednumerical values or other items through the keypad. In such conditionsthe at least one processor is operative through signals to the keypad tocause the keypad to receive such inputs and deliver signalscorresponding to the inputs to the at least one processor in anunencrypted manner. During receipt of such signals which are not securedthrough encryption, the at least one processor is operative to cause theat least one visual indicator to be in a condition in which it indicatesthat the inputs are not encrypted. This may be to have the lightemitting device off. Of course this approach is an example.

The function of providing to a machine user an indication that sensitiveinputs such as the PIN are being encrypted may help to increase userconfidence that their personal data is being secured. In addition thefailure of the at least one visual indicator to operate at times when auser is being requested to input a PIN or other confidential data, mayprovide an indication to a user that the machine has been potentiallysubject to tampering and should not be used.

In some embodiments the at least one visual indicator may be included onthe keypad. In some example embodiments the indicator may include anilluminated indicator such as a lock, which is indicated 530 in FIG. 47.The exemplary indicator including a lock graphic may serve tocommunicate to the machine user that their inputs to the keypad aresecure. In some example embodiments the indicator may be made as anintegral part of a tamper resistant input device such as an EncryptingPIN Pad (EPP). The EPP may be made so that any tampering therewith orunauthorized programming thereof will cause the encryption indicator tocease to function or to function in ways associated with an undesirablecondition. In this way it is less likely that a corrupted device will beinstalled on a banking machine and used by unwary users. In still otherembodiments, the at least one processor may cause an output indicatingan encrypting condition of a device through the display or other outputdevice of the banking machine. This may include a visual output throughthe screen which includes a word output such as “keypad input now beingencrypted” and/or the output of icons, graphics or other indicatingoutputs. Of course these approaches are examples.

Principles like that applied in connection with the exemplary keypad 510may also be applied through other transaction devices that are operativeto receive sensitive user inputs. For example a card readerschematically indicated 542 may include capabilities for selectivelyproviding encrypted outputs corresponding to the data read from thecards of users. Example embodiments may also include visual indicators534 which are operative to indicate to users that a device is operatingto encrypt the inputs that are being received therethrough. Suchindicators may be in addition to or in lieu of indicators of the typepreviously discussed which are operative to indicate the condition ofthe device and/or to draw a user's attention thereto. Of course itshould be understood that these approaches are examples.

In still other example embodiments provision may be made for reducingthe risk of unauthorized access to customers' confidential informationsuch as a PIN number. These additional features may include for example,guarding against situations where criminals have programmed the machineor otherwise operatively connected to it in a way that causes themachine to request that a user input their confidential information at atime when the keypad or other device is not operating to encrypt inputs.This may be done for example by including unauthorized computerexecutable instructions in a data store associated with at least oneprocessor of the machine. Alternatively or in addition, this might beaccomplished by programming the machine in a way that causes the machineto connect to a network address which causes the machine to output arequest for the user to input their confidential information. In stillother situations criminals may include additional processors or otherdevices in the machine that send signals to the display to provideoutputs through the display, which request a user to input theirconfidential information to the machine.

As can be appreciated these unauthorized outputs through the display orother output device can cause the user to input their confidentialinformation at times during operation of the machine when the authorizedprogramming is not causing the user inputs to be encrypted. As a resultcriminals can gather the unencrypted data corresponding to confidentialinputs and later use the information to obtain unauthorized access tothe user's account. In some situations this may be done by storing datacorresponding to these inputs in at least one data store in the machinewhich can later be recovered either locally or remotely. Alternativelyor in addition, in some situations the criminals may provide for theinputs to be delivered from the machine through a network to a remotelocation so as to minimize the risk of detection. Of course theseapproaches are examples of criminal exploits that may be attempted atautomated banking machines.

As can be appreciated, in the example embodiment of the machine duringnormal operation of the at least one processor 518, the at least onedata store 520 includes computer executable instructions which cause theat least one processor to operate the machine to carry out transactions.These computer executable instructions cause the computer to carry outat least one transaction sequence. The transaction sequence that iscarried out includes a plurality of states in which the machine isenabled to carry out certain transaction functions. For example in anexample embodiment, the at least one processor may wait for a customerto begin a transaction and may output certain displays to attract acustomer to the machine. This step in the transaction sequence isassociated with a wait state in which the machine is waiting for aninitial input from a user to commence a transaction. In an exampleembodiment the machine senses that the user has presented a card to anopening associated with a card reader, or that a user has otherwiseengaged a similar article with the machine. In response to sensing theseinputs the computer executable instructions of the at least oneprocessor causes the machine to be in a card read state associated withthe transaction sequence in which the card or other article has dataread therefrom.

Thereafter responsive to being able to read the card, the at least oneprocessor may then operate in accordance with the computer executableinstructions to cause the at least one processor to be placed in a PINentry state of the transaction sequence. In the PIN entry state of theexample embodiment, the at least one processor operates in conjunctionwith the encrypting PIN pad, namely keypad 510. The keypad operates inaccordance with its programming and the instructions from the at leastone processor to encrypt inputs from a user that are provided throughthe keypad. Input of an indication that the PIN has been provided, thencauses the at least one processor to move to a next state in thetransaction sequence in which the user is presented with options throughthe display for selecting a type of transaction that they wish toconduct at the machine. The at least one processor of the machine in itsnormal operation steps through a series of states which have associatedfunctions, operations and outputs that enable the machine to carry outdifferent transactions. As can be appreciated in the exemplarytransaction flow provisions are made in various states for thetransaction to take different paths from a given state in thetransaction sequence. For example in the transaction selection state theuser may be asked if they wish to receive cash or if they wish to make adeposit. Depending on the user's input in response to the outputsthrough the display, the exemplary machine operates to move through theappropriate states in a transaction sequence for the particular type oftransaction that the user has selected. Of course this approach is anexample and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated, the at least one processor causes the machine tooperate in accordance with the transaction sequence and causes signalscorresponding to inputs through the keypad, card reader and/or otherdevices to turn on the encryption function during appropriate states inthe transaction sequence. When the at least one processor in the machinehas the machine in these particular states, the inputs through thekeypad or other device capable of encrypting inputs are encrypted toprotect the confidential information from interception. Of course inexample embodiments in other states in the transaction sequence, theuser is not being instructed to input confidential information and theat least one processor causes inputs through the keypad to be output tothe circuitry of the machine as signals that are unencrypted. Suchunencrypted inputs are then transmitted to the at least one processor sothat the machine can then carry out the appropriate transaction steps.

A potential risk arises if a criminal has electronically accessed themachine in ways that cause a request for input of confidentialinformation to be provided from the machine during a state in thetransaction sequence when the encryption capabilities of the keypad,card reader or other device with encrypting capabilities, are not turnedon. If, for example, the criminal has installed software instructionsthat provides an unauthorized user exit in the transaction sequencewhich causes an output through the display that asks the user tore-enter their PIN number, the user may re-enter their PIN number at atime when the encrypting keypad is not operating to encrypt the inputs.Thus the user's confidential information may be input in the clear andintercepted. Likewise similar unauthorized outputs may request a user toreinsert their card at a time when outputs from the card reader are notbeing encrypted. In still other situations the user may be asked forother types of confidential information such as social security numbers,account numbers, mother's maiden name, etc. all of which might be usedto gain unauthorized access to user's accounts or to accomplish identitytheft.

As may be appreciated some of the ways in which unauthorized outputs canbe caused to be made through a machine display will not necessarilydisrupt the normal operation of the at least one processor or thetransaction sequence that occurs responsive to the authorizedinstructions. Indeed as previously discussed, unauthorized devices canbe connected to the display, unauthorized network connections orunauthorized computer executable instructions may operate in the atleast one processor to perpetrate such unlawful activity. In addition itshould be understood that such programming, while discussed as beingused in connection with providing outputs through the display, may alsobe output through other output devices such as the audio outputsassociated with voice guidance or other similar output devices whichprovide instructions to users of the machine to provide inputs.

To minimize such risks example embodiments may include computerexecutable instructions in the at least one data store, that comprisecharacter recognition software. Further in example embodiments thecomputer executable instructions include software instructions that areoperative to recognize signals that are received by the display on themachine and that cause the display to provide certain outputs. Furtherthe exemplary instructions are operative to determine that the signalsbeing provided correspond based on the operation of the characterrecognition software, to certain words and/or phrases which suggest thatthe display is providing outputs to users that instruct the users toinput confidential information to the machine.

Thus for example in an example embodiment the at least one processor 518may be in operative connection with appropriate sensors, interfaces orother devices which sense the signals being received by the display onthe machine. The signals are then analyzed through operation of the atleast one processor to determine if the signals correspond tocharacters, phrases and/or other outputs that instruct a user to inputconfidential information to the machine. For example in exampleembodiments, the at least one processor may operate to look for signalswhich correspond to the words personal identification number, PIN,secret number, account identification number or other words and/orphrases (including in example embodiments words and/or phrases in otherlanguages) that are instructing a user to enter their PIN number.

In an example embodiment, upon determining that the display isoutputting such instructions, the at least one processor operates inaccordance with its programming to turn on the encryption functions forinputs through the keypad. In this way upon determining that such anoutput is being provided through the display, the at least one processorassures that the encrypting functions of the keypad are turned on andthe signals being output from the keypad are encrypted. The at least oneprocessor can operate to cause inputs through the keypad to be encrypteduntil the output from the display is determined to no longer ask for auser's confidential information.

In still other embodiments the at least one processor may operateresponsive to determining that a particular type of output requestinguser confidential information is being presented, to determine the statein the particular transaction sequence in which the authorized softwarein the machine is currently operating. Thus for example, the at leastone processor may operate to determine if the current state in thetransaction sequence is the PIN entry state and/or that the at least oneprocessor has already caused the encryption functions of the keypad tobe turned on. In an example embodiment the at least one processor upondetermining that the machine is acting in a normal manner may take nofurther action. However, in circumstances where the at least oneprocessor determines that entry of the customer's PIN is being requestedat a time other than an appropriate state in the transaction sequence,the at least one processor causes the machine to operate to send atleast one message to at least one remote computer indicating an abnormalcondition. This may be accomplished in some embodiments in a manner likethat described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,826 the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Of course in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the example embodiment the at least one processor may operate inaccordance with its programming to analyze subsequent signals that causeoutputs through the display, and to shut off the encrypting functionswhen the signals received by the display no longer correspond torequests that the customer input confidential information. However, instill other embodiments the at least one processor may be programmed tocause the machine to cease operation either entirely or to cease atleast certain functions, upon the at least one processor determiningthat the display has output a request for confidential information at aninappropriate time during a transaction. Alternatively in otherembodiments other approaches may be taken such as contacting a servicingentity or bank personnel or police authorities to advise of a particularsuspicious condition. In still other embodiments the at least oneprocessor may operate in a manner like that described in U.S. Pat. No.7,147,147 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, to capture image data and/or other information that may beuseful in determining the cause of the unauthorized ATM operation. Ofcourse these approaches are examples.

In example embodiments the at least one processor may operate characterrecognition software therein of the types that are commerciallyavailable. These may include for example software available fromCarreker Corporation, A2ia or other commercially available software thatrecognizes characters, words and/or phrases. Such software may beoperated to obtain the signals corresponding to those being sent toand/or received at the display, and convert them to suitable data foranalysis to enable the at least one processor to determine whether thewords, phrases, etc. being looked for are found in the current outputdisplay. Further in some embodiments the at least one processor may beconnected through an appropriate interface located directly at or withinthe housing of the display so that the actual signals being deliveredthereto are monitored. This may be useful for example in situationswhere the criminals have included in the machine a separate processor orother device that delivers signals to the display in a switched manner.For example in some embodiments it may be appropriate to integrate thesignal sensing devices directly into the display to assure that thesensing devices that deliver the signals to the at least one processorfor analysis cannot be bypassed.

In still other embodiments the at least one display may include at leastone processor and data store which includes appropriate programs and theability to provide at least one output back to the processor. Such asystem may provide at least one output signal to the processor in themachine responsive to the signals being received by the display whichcause outputs therefrom. The at least one processor may operate inaccordance with associated programming to assure that the signals beingdelivered to the display at the particular time, correspond to thosesignals that the processor and its associated authorized transactionprograms are causing to be delivered to the display. If the at least onefeedback output signal from the display indicates a variance from whatthe at least one processor determines that the feedback signal ought tobe at the particular time, then the at least one processor may operatein accordance with its programming to take appropriate action. Suchappropriate action may include sending messages, disabling functionsand/or shutting down the machine. Such feedback output signals may begenerated responsive to encryption of signals being received at thedisplay, which signals can then be compared to the values calculated bythe at least one processor based on the signals it is causing to be sentto the display. Of course other approaches may be used.

In still other embodiments the machine may operate in a manner thatincludes at least one camera adjacent to the display. The cameraoperates to capture images corresponding to screen outputs. This may bedone for example in the manner of the incorporated disclosures. Suchcamera signals may then be analyzed through operation of the at leastone processor, or by a separate authorized processing system, todetermine if the outputs requesting confidential inputs from a user arebeing presented at an inappropriate time in the transaction sequence.Such an approach may be useful in environments where it is not possibleto assure that the signals actually driving the display can be monitoredat all times and/or when there is a risk that a display with antifraudcapabilities has been replaced with a different display. Alternativelyor in addition, such an approach may be useful in situations where acriminal has overlaid an output device on the outside of the displayscreen of the machine. For example a criminal may install a liquidcrystal pane or other display structure on the outside of the authorizedmachine display.

Such an external display may operate to make it appear that the machineis outputting messages to the user, when the messages are beinggenerated from the unauthorized overlaid display pane. At other timesthe pane may be operated so as to be transparent. In such circumstancesthe use of systems with imaging devices such as cameras which monitorthe outputs which the user actually sees, and analyzes them for requestsfor confidential information at inappropriate times in the transactionsequence, or for lack of correspondence with what the authorizedsoftware would cause the output to be, may be useful in helping toprevent fraud. Of course these approaches are examples and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated, in some embodiments the at least one processorwhich operates to conduct the analysis for inappropriate outputs, mayinclude processors within the machine such as processors included in thekeypad or other processors such as distributed processors throughout themachine. In still other embodiments as previously discussed, theanalysis may be conducted through external processors such as imageanalysis devices which operate to capture images or other data fromcameras. In still other embodiments the character recognition softwareand analysis may be conducted within processors located in tamperresistant devices such as the keypad or other devices within the machinethat will generally cease to operate if an attempt is made to tamperwith their operation or programming. Of course these approaches areexamples.

In some example embodiments communications between at least oneprocessor in the machine on the display may be used to assure that thedisplay of the at least one processor are both authorized componentsthat are trusted and are intended for operation in the automated bankingmachine. In example embodiments at least one authorization signal thatis operatively communicated between circuitry associated with thedisplay and the at least one processor helps to assure that at least oneof the components is a trusted component. In the absence of the at leastone authorization signal, the automated banking machine will not carryout at least one transaction function. For example in some embodimentsin the absence of the at least one authorization signal the display maycease to operate to provide any visual outputs.

Alternatively in the absence of the at least one authorization signalthe display may selectively cease to provide certain outputs such as forexample requests for users to provide confidential information such as aPIN. In still other embodiments in the absence of the at least oneauthorization signal the display may operate to provide an output suchas if the machine is not operational and is not in service. Of coursethese approaches are examples.

In some embodiments the at least one authorization signal may include aplurality of signals that are communicated responsive to the at leastone processor to the circuitry associated with the display and/or fromthe display circuitry to the processor. For example the processor mayoperate to generate a first authorization signal to the display. Thedisplay circuitry may thereafter operate in accordance with computerexecutable instructions stored in connection therewith to cause a secondauthorization signal to be sent to the processor of the associateddisplay drive and circuitry which operatively communicates with theprocessor. In some embodiments the authorization signal from the displayto the processor may include a portion that is a function of the firstauthorization signal that is sent to the display circuitry. By having atleast a portion of the second authorization signal reconstituted as afunction of the first signal, there may be greater assurance that thedisplay operating in the machine is an authorized component. Of coursethis approach is merely an example.

In some example embodiments the at least one processor may operate tocause the authorization signal to the display to be a function of thecard data that is read from the card of the customer that is currentlyoperating the machine. This may include for example an encrypted codethat is generally responsive to the card data and which provides aunique data signal to the display circuitry. The display circuitry willthen operate in response to certain computer executable instructions inoperative connection therewith to carry out one or more mathematicalmanipulations based on the authorization sent from the processorincluding the card data and return a second signal to the processor. Theprocessor may then carry out computational functions to verify that theauthorization signal generated by the display circuitry corresponds tothe card data originally sent. In determining such correspondence the atleast one processor may then operate to carry out transaction functionsbased on assurance that the display is being operated as a trustedcomponent. However, in the event that the authorization signal from thedisplay is determined by the at least one processor to be an impropersignal or one that cannot be verified as authorized, the at least oneprocessor may cease to operate the machine to carry out transactions.Alternatively or in addition the at least one processor may cause theautomated banking machine to send at least one message from theautomated banking machine to at least one remote computer to indicatethe possible fraud condition of the machine. Of course these approachesare examples.

In still other embodiments the at least one authorization signal sent bythe at least one processor to the display may include a time signal. Inan example embodiment the at least one processor includes a clockfunction operating therein which is operative to generate datacorresponding to a then current time. Data corresponding to all or aportion of the then current time data may be included in the at leastone authorization signal sent by the processor to the display.Alternatively or in addition the at least one processor, the displayand/or both may have data associated with one or more respective serialnumbers or other numbers associated therewith. The authorization signalscommunicated may be a function of the respective serial numbersassociated with these components. As a result the serial numbers may beused as a basis for assuring that the respective authorized componentsare operating in the machine. Alternatively or in addition otherparameters may be used as the basis for the authorization signals thatare communicated to be sure that the processor and/or the display areauthorized components. Of course in some embodiments combinations ofmultiple parameters may be used.

In still other example embodiments the at least one processor and/or thecircuitry associated with the display may be operative to includeroutines that generate random numbers. For purposes of this disclosure arandom number will be deemed to include any form of random characters orvalues. Such random numbers may be included in the authorization signalsthat are sent by and/or returned from the various components. Forexample in some embodiments a random number generated through operationof the processor may be encrypted through operation of the at least oneprocessor and sent as part of the authorization signal through thecircuitry associated with the display. The display may thereafterprocess the data received including the random number and encrypt it ina manner through operation of one or more processors and computerexecutable instructions associated with the display circuitry. Theauthorization signal returned by the display to the processor of themachine originating the random number will then be analyzed throughoperation of the processor to verify that the return signal is based onthe original random number and has been manipulated in a mannerconsistent with the programming of the circuitry in the authorizeddisplay. Such determination may be used as the basis for continuing theoperation of the at least one processor to carry out transactions. Ofcourse it should be understood that random numbers are but one type ofvalue that may be included in authorization signals.

In still other embodiments each of the at least one processor in themachine on the display circuitry may have an associated respectivepublic/private key pair. In such embodiments the at least one processorin the machine may generate values to be included in an authorizationmessage and encrypt such values using the private key associated withthe at least one processor. The circuitry associated with the displaymay then use the associated public key of the at least one processor todecrypt the message. The ability of the public key associated with theat least one processor to decrypt the message provides assurance thatthe message is sent by the at least one processor.

In the example embodiment the circuitry associated with the display maythereafter manipulate or otherwise process all or a portion of the datareceived in the message from the at least one processor to generate afurther authorization message. In example embodiments this message mayinclude one or more portions that are a function of the original messagefrom the at least one processor. The circuitry associated with thedisplay may then encrypt the authorization message to the at least oneprocessor using the private key associated with the display circuitry.The message is then communicated through the internal communicationschannel of the automated banking machine such as a universal serial busconnection or other data bus to the at least one processor. The at leastone processor may then decrypt the message from the display inaccordance with its associated programming using the public keyassociated with the display circuitry. The ability of the at least oneprocessor to decrypt the message using the public key of the displaycircuitry provides assurance that the message originated from thedisplay circuitry.

Further the at least one processor may confirm that the message sent bythe display circuitry is based on its original message by comparing ormanipulating the data included in the authorization message to assurethat it corresponds with the data that was originally sent. In someembodiments the programming associated with the display and/or thedevices in communication with the processor and driving the display mayinclude anti-tampering features. This may include for example memoriesthat hold data such as public and private key data which areautomatically erased in the event of any attempt to access or manipulatethe data therein that might be consistent if efforts to reverse engineerthe circuitry are made. In still other embodiments such communicationscircuitry and sensitive data may be encapsulated within physicalstructures. Such physical structures may be built to destroy any storedinformation therein in the event an effort is made to open the physicalcasing. Thus for example physical modules associated with the at leastone processor that operate to send messages to the display and/ormodules which are included therein or are connected with the displaycircuitry may be hardened so as to prevent tampering or access thereto.Of course these approaches are examples and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

It should be understood that while the exemplary approach has beendiscussed in connection with the display of the machine, otherembodiments may operate using similar principles for other types ofdevices on a machine which provide outputs and/or receive inputs. Thusfor example the at least one processor in the machine may be programmedto look for requests to input confidential and/or private customerinformation of the type that can be read from the user's card. This mayinclude for example, asking the customer to re-input a card at aninappropriate time. In example embodiments the at least one processormay operate to turn on an encryption function that can operate in aprocessor associated with the card reader or other device, to avoidinterception of the data as well as to give notification. Further instill other embodiments the at least one processor may include softwareof a type that recognizes verbal outputs. For purposes of thisdisclosure software of the type that recognizes verbal outputs will alsobe called character recognition software. Such software which recognizesverbal outputs may monitor output signals to or through speakers,headphone jacks or other similar output devices on the ATM. The at leastone processor may monitor for the output of words requesting the inputof user confidential information at inappropriate times in thetransaction sequence.

This may minimize the risk for example, that a blind user provides theirconfidential information in response to voice guidance outputs which arecaused to be presented due to criminal modifications to the machine. Inaddition it should be understood that the features discussed inconnection with FIG. 47 may also be used in conjunction with otherfeatures described herein. This may include for example devices forlimiting unauthorized observation of inputs through the keypad andapproaches for minimizing the risk of unauthorized detection ofconfidential user data. FIG. 52 shows schematically components of yetanother alternative embodiment of an automated banking machine generallyindicated 592. Machine 592 includes at least one terminal processor 594.Processor 594 is in operative connection with at least one data store596. As in the other embodiments data store 596 includes data as well ascomputer executable instructions that are carried out through operationof the processor to operate the machine. Of course it should beunderstood that while only one processor and data store are shown,embodiments may include numerous processors and data stores. Terminalprocessor 594 is in operative connection with transaction functiondevices of the machine generally indicated 598. The exemplarytransaction function devices include card reader 600. Card reader 600 isoperative to read data included on user cards. This includes for exampledata corresponding to financial accounts of users of the automatedbanking machine. Another exemplary transaction function device is aprinter 602. Printer 602 may include a receipt printer of the type thatprovides users with receipts for transactions conducted at the machine.

Another exemplary transaction function device in machine 592 is a cashdispenser 604. Cash dispenser 604 may be of the type previouslydescribed that operates to cause cash such as currency bills that arestored within the machine to be selectively dispensed and madeaccessible to a user outside the machine. The exemplary machine alsoincludes a depository 606. Depository 606 may be of the type thataccepts deposits made by a user into the machine. Such deposits mayinclude in some embodiments deposited items that are included in depositenvelopes. In other embodiments the depository may accept items such ascash or checks.

Of course it should be understood that machine 592 may include other ordifferent types of transaction function devices. These may include forexample different types of input devices, output devices as well asdevices for performing transaction functions of the type desired at themachine. In the example embodiment machine 592 includes a touch screendisplay module 608. In this example embodiment the touch screen displaymodule 608 is a structure or assembly of components designed to providea secure input device through which users can input data which isprotected from being intercepted by unauthorized persons. The exampleembodiment of the touch screen display module includes an output pane610. Output pane 610 of the example embodiment comprises a generallytransparent pane which is part of a touch sensitive screen.

The touch sensitive screen may be one of several types which can be usedto determine the relative location on the screen at which a user makescontact with the screen using their finger. This may include for examplein some embodiments a resistance detecting touch sensitive screen. Inother embodiments the touch sensitive screen may be of the capacitancedetecting type. In still other embodiments the screen may include anacoustic wave detecting type of touch sensitive screen. In still otherembodiments other types of touch sensitive screens may be used. As canbe appreciated other various suitable types of touch sensitive screensmay be used to determine the position of contact made by a user'sfingers on the screen so as to detect when a user touches a selectablevisible output that is provided from the display. An example embodimentof the touch screen display module 608 may also include a hapticinterface system in order to provide tactile feedback. Example haptictouch screens that may be used in example embodiments may include thehaptic touch screens manufactured by Pacinian Corp. of Spokane Wash., orEsterline Advanced Input systems of Bellevue Wash., or may include anyother haptic interface system that is operative to provide tactilefeedback with a touch screen.

In an example embodiment, the touch screen display module 608 may becomprised of a haptic touch screen that overlies an LCD display screen(or CRT display screen) of the touch screen display module. The haptictouch screen may be selectively configured to provide tactile feedback(e.g. vibration) responsive to touches (e.g. finger presses, fingersliding) in designated positions on the surface of the touch screen thatcorrespond to virtual buttons (e.g. keypad keys and functions keys) orother user interface controls and indicia displayed by the displayscreen under the haptic touch screen.

The example embodiment further includes a housing 612. The housing 612of the exemplary embodiment houses internal display module components.These include a display module processor 614. The display moduleprocessor is in operative connection with at least one module data store616. In the example embodiment the at least one display module datastore includes a volatile memory in which at least some of the datastore therein is erased in the event of power loss. The exemplarydisplay module includes a power supply connection so that the volatilememory of the display module maintains its data when the ATM is turnedon. In the example embodiment the housing of the display module includesat least one battery 618. The at least one battery operates to provide asource of power so as to enable the volatile memory to maintain datastorage even during times when the ATM is turned off or unplugged froman AC power source.

In the example embodiment the housing 612 comprises a unitary structurethat is designed to require breakage to access the internal componentsthereof. This may be done for example by providing a permanently sealedassembly so as to avoid the risk that unauthorized persons can gainaccess to information in the display module data store. For example inan example embodiment the housing includes a plurality of sensors thatare operative to sense an effort to access the interior area of thehousing. In an example embodiment the sensors may include frangibleelectrical conductors 620. The exemplary frangible electrical conductorsmay be operative to electrically connect the electrical power sourceincluding the battery and the data store. Such conductors may includethin wires, conductive traces or other conductive items that readilybreak when disturbed. Attempts to open the housing may fracture one ormore of the electrical conductors resulting in a loss of power from theelectrical power source and the battery 618 to the display module datastore. Thus the sensors detecting possible compromise of the displaymodule, result in the data included in the display module data storebeing erased.

Further in example embodiments the sensors may include electricallyconductive material in at least one transparent pane of the touchscreen. This may include for example electrically conductive tracematerial or other material which is operative to provide a sensor thatassures the integrity of the housing. Deformation or breakage to thehousing results in the loss of electrical power to the volatile memoryresulting in erasure of the data in the data store. In some embodimentsfor example the sensors including the electrical conductors may bemolded into components of the display module so as to minimize the riskthat the sensors can be compromised. Of course these approaches areexamples. Further it should be understood that while in the exampleembodiment the approach of maintaining power to the data store is usedto determine efforts to compromise the display module housing, otherapproaches may be used in alternative embodiments. These may include forexample other types of sensors that detect deformation of the housingwhich is indicative of efforts at disassembly or compromise.

Likewise other embodiments may include sensing of changes in gaspressure either into or out of the interior area of the housing so as todetect a break in the housing indicating a compromised condition. Ofcourse these approaches are examples and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used. In the example embodiment the at least onedisplay module data store is used to store data corresponding to atleast one encryption key. In some example embodiments the at least oneencryption key may include a symmetric key such as a key that complieswith the Data Encryption Standard (DES) or other suitable key type. Theat least one processor in the display module may operate in accordancewith its programming to cause the display module to output selectableoutputs such as the visual representation of a keypad on the display.The visible representation of the keypad may include a plurality ofkeys, each of which may be selected by a user touching the screen wherethe key appears.

In example embodiments with a haptic touch screen, the module processorand/or the terminal processor may be operative to configure the haptictouch screen to provide tactile feedback for the displayed keys. Suchtactile feedback may by outputted by the haptic touch screen immediatelyupon detection of a user's finger touching or sliding across a displayedkey or other indicia on the screen. In further embodiments such tactilefeedback may by outputted by the haptic touch screen in response to thedetection of a finger of a user that persists for at least apredetermined amount of time in generally the same location (e.g. a“long press”) on the haptic touch screen.

To assist in locating a displayed numeric keypad on the haptic touchscreen, in example embodiments, a designated key such as a central key(e.g. a “5” key) of the keypad may be configured to provide a tactilefeedback output when initially contacted by a finger, whereas adjacentsurrounding keys either do not provide such a tactile feedback orprovide a different tactile feedback. Providing a distinctive hapticfeedback for a designated key (such as a central “5” key) may enable avisually impaired user to slide a finger around the touch screen toidentify the location of the designated key. Once the designated key isfound, the user can use its position to determine the location ofadjacent keys of the keypad. The user may then long press one or more ofthe keys to produce an input requested by the machine (e.g. a PIN,amount of value, menu selection).

In example embodiments, tactile feedback may be outputted responsive tothe detection of a finger pressing or sliding adjacent the edges of keysor in the border between keys. For example, the spaces between andaround keypad keys may correspond to a grid that is configured toprovide tactile feedback as the user slides a finger over the spacesbetween and around displayed keys. A visually impaired user may identifythe location of the keypad and the location of individual keys in thekeypad by sliding a finger around the screen to identify the location ofthe grid that defines the keypad.

In example embodiments, the haptic touch screen may be configured toprovide different tactile sensations for different locations (e.g.different displayed keys or other indicia) on the screen and fordifferent types of inputs (e.g. sliding a finger or long press of afinger). Such different tactile sensations may be produced by having thehaptic touch screen produce different vibration patterns for thedifferent locations and/or types of inputs. Such different vibrationpatterns may include variations in magnitude, duration, waveform and/orfrequency of the vibration.

For example in one embodiment, each numeric key of a keypad displayed bythe touch screen and touched by a finger of a user, may produce a uniquetactile output in a pattern that can be used to recognize the key beingtouched. Such a pattern for example may correspond to a series of shortand long vibrations based on the Morse Code signals for the particularnumeric number associated with the key being touched. Also, it should beappreciated that in addition to outputting tactile outputs, theprocessor controlling the haptic touch screen may also causecorresponding audio outputs (beeps, words) through a speaker deviceassociated with the display screen (e.g. headphone jack, loud speakers)to be outputted as well.

Responsive to user input corresponding to one of the selectable outputs,the at least one processor operates in accordance with its programmingto generate encrypted input data corresponding to the user input. Thisencrypted input data may be generated in some embodiments by the displaymodule processor encrypting the data corresponding to the input usingthe stored encryption key. Further in some embodiments the input datamay be triple encrypted using the DES key stored in the at least onedata store. The at least one processor 614 of the display module maythen operate to cause data corresponding to the encrypted input data tobe communicated to the terminal processor 594. Of course it should beunderstood that in some embodiments the display module processor mayoperate to provide encrypted input data corresponding to multiple userinputs provided as part of a series of inputs from the ATM user. Thismay include for example a plurality of inputs provided by the user whichcorrespond to the user's personal identification number (PIN). Of coursethis approach is an example and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

It should also be understood that in some embodiments the display moduleprocessor may operate executable instructions including communicationverification software or other software of the types previouslydescribed to assure that it is in operative communication with anauthorized terminal processor of the ATM. Further in other exampleembodiments the display module processor may operate characterrecognition software such that outputs corresponding to requests forinput of sensitive data are recognized to assure that any confidentialinputs by the customer are properly encrypted. In still otherembodiments the at least one display module processor may be operativeto execute instructions which produce the outputs from the display. Thusfor example the display module processor and the associated data storemay include instructions to produce the graphics and other outputcontent that is presented by the machine to users. In this way theterminal processor 594 need only provide messages to the touch screendisplay module which indicates the nature of the current output whichthe touch screen module is to provide. This may be useful in avoidingneed for the terminal processor to generate the necessary screen outputdata. This minimizes the processing power utilized for this purpose bythe terminal processor and also minimizes the risk that the display maybe operated to output messages to users that are not appropriate. Ofcourse these approaches are examples.

In still other embodiments the data store 616 of the touch screendisplay module may include data corresponding to at least apublic/private asymmetric key pair. Likewise the data store 596associated with the terminal processor may also include datacorresponding to another public/private key pair. The public/private keypairs may each be associated with respective digital certificates. Theterminal processor 594 and the display module processor 614 may operateto communicate messages using the respective certificates and public andprivate key pairs which help to assure that each of the processors is inoperative communication with the other authorized ATM component. Thismay be done in a manner like that previously discussed. For example thepublic key associated with terminal processor 594 may be communicated tothe processor in the touch screen display module and stored in datastore 616. Likewise the public key associated with the display modulemay be communicated and stored in data store 596. By exchanging messageswhich are encrypted with the public keys of the other component, eachprocessor is able to assure that it is in communication with the otherauthorized component and not with a rogue component that has beeninstalled improperly in the machine. Such assurance may be achievedusing techniques that involve the exchange of the certificate data orother secret data or information that helps to assure that eachcomponent is authorized to the other.

In still other embodiments communications between the terminal processor594 and the display module processor 614 may be suitably encrypted so asto minimize the risk of interception. This may include for exampleencrypting communications of data which generally is not required to bekept secret internally within the machine. Such data may include forexample numerical data corresponding to transactions, transactionfunction selection inputs or other information. This may also includethe encryption of messages to the touch screen display module whichcause the output of selectable outputs through the display. This mayinclude encryption of messages that cause the display module to outputthe PIN input or similar outputs. The use of encryption may further helpto assure that the accuracy and secrecy of internal machinecommunications are properly maintained. Further in some embodiments datasuch as customer input data corresponding to a PIN may be encryptedusing the reversible DES encryption key as well as throughcommunications which are encrypted using asymmetric keys. Of course thisapproach is an example and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In still another arrangement represented schematically in FIG. 53 securecommunications may be further facilitated between the touch screendisplay module and the terminal processor. In this example embodimentsecure communication is facilitated by having the terminal processor andthe touch screen display module connected through at least one secureinput device schematically indicated 622. In the example embodiment thesecure input device includes at least one component having a manuallyactuatable input device. Further the exemplary secure input device islocated within a chest portion 624 of an ATM housing 626.

As can be appreciated the touch screen display module 608 and theterminal processor may both be located within the ATM housing in anupper portion 627. The upper portion of the housing of this exampleembodiment is not as secure as the chest portion. The chest portiongenerally corresponds to a safe with a closable chest door and securelock. The chest houses valuable documents such as cash. Thus in thisexample embodiment providing for the secure input device 622 to beaccessible only when the chest portion is open assures that persons thatprovide inputs thereto are those who are authorized to have access tothe valuables such as cash that are located in the ATM chest.

In the example embodiment the secure input device 622 comprises at leastone processor and at least one data store. The at least one processor isoperative to provide for a secure key exchange between the touch screendisplay module and the terminal processor or other secure communicationsinitialization. Thus in the example embodiment actuation of the secureinput device operates to cause the establishment of securecommunications between the display module and the terminal processor.This may include communications that cause the public key associatedwith the terminal processor to be communicated to the touch screendisplay module and stored in the data store therein, and vice versa.This may also include an exchange of certificate, signature or otherverification data. This may be done for example in some embodiments toinitialize secure communications so that each of the touch screendisplay module and terminal processor are recognized by one another asauthorized machine components. Thus in such embodiments attempts toreplace one or the other of the components will result in the other ofsuch components determining that it is not in communication with anauthorized component, and the device will operate in accordance with itsprogrammed instructions to cease communication of sensitive data unlessthe secure input device is again accessed and is used to reinitializeeach of the components to the other.

In still other embodiments the secure input device may operate inaccordance with its programming to provide monitoring of the securecommunications to help assure that the at least one terminal processorand display module are communicating securely and that there are nosigns of efforts to compromise their operation. This may be done forexample by using multiple signals and encryption techniques that areexchanged between the devices and the secure input device. The secureinput device operates in accordance with its programming to analyze thecommunications and to discontinue normal operation in the event thatconditions corresponding to a possible problem are detected. Further insome embodiments the secure input device may also be in operativeconnection with other transaction function devices so as to disable themfrom operation in the event of a possible detected problem such as asecurity attack. Likewise in still other embodiments the secure inputdevice may also operate to cause the banking machine to givenotifications either locally or remotely of suspected problems. Ofcourse these approaches are examples and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

In still other embodiments the processor included in the touch screendisplay module may have programming that enables the touch screendisplay module processor to perform the functions performed by theterminal processor in other embodiments. This includes communicatingwith other transaction function devices in the machine so as to controltheir operation. Thus for example in some embodiments all of theinstructions necessary for operation of the automated banking machinemay be included in the data store encapsulated within the displaymodule. Efforts to compromise the display module to gain access to anyof the secure programming may result in the loss of operability of themachine. Further as can be appreciated the principles discussed whichprovide secure communications between the touch screen display moduleand the terminal processor may be used in alternative embodiments toachieve secure communications between the touch screen display moduleand the processors operative on individual transaction function devices.

Further in some other example embodiments the touch screen displaymodule may include other input devices that it may be desirable tosecure from tampering. This may include for example card readercomponents. Thus for example in some embodiments the housing of thetouch screen display module may include a card reader device that isoperative to read data from user cards. This may include for examplecomponents suitable for reading data in a magnetic stripe of the usercard. Alternatively this may include contactless card reading devicessuch as devices that are suitable to read radio frequency or inductancedata signals from cards that are positioned in proximity to the readingdevice. Of course these approaches are examples.

By including the card reading capability and user input capabilitywithin a single encapsulated display module some embodiments ofautomated banking machines may reduce the risk of compromise that wouldotherwise be associated with communications between such components ofthe machine. Further encapsulating such components within a singleassembly may further facilitate machine operation and reduce cost andcomplexity in machine design. Of course these approaches are examplesand in other embodiments other approaches may be used. In exampleembodiments, the terminal processor may be located in a computer mountedin the same automated banking machine as is the described displaymodule. However, in alternative embodiments, the terminalprocessor/computer that operates the display module and other componentsin the machine (e.g. cash dispenser, card reader) may correspond to avirtual processor of a virtual machine executing in a remote server. Insuch embodiments, the display module may include a processor andassociated circuitry (referred to herein as a portal device) configuredto securely communicate with and carry out a remote client protocol withthe virtual machine. Examples of portal devices for use with automatedbanking machines and the display devices of automated banking machinesis shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/323,161 filed Apr. 12, 2010which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In this described embodiment, the portal device may includeprocessor/controllers adapted to carrying out a remote client protocolsuch as Teradici PC over IP (PCoIP) protocol. Such a PCoIP protocol isoperative to communicate device bus communications corresponding toUniversal Serial Bus (USB) communications and display videocommunications over a TCP/IP network with a remote host processor and/orvirtual machine. The portal device may include USB ports for connectingmachine devices (e.g. cash dispenser, card reader, display module/touchscreen). The portal device may also include video ports for connectingthe display screen of the display module.

In this described embodiment, terminal software such as applications anddevice drivers that operate the automated banking machine, may executein the virtual processor of the remote virtual machine. USB and videocommunications on the remote virtual machine may then be communicated tothe respective devices and display screen in the automated bankingmachine via the portal device. In an example embodiment of a displaymodule that includes a portal device, the display module may include USBports for connecting devices in the machine (e.g. cash dispenser, cardreader) to the portal device. Internally in the display module, thedisplay screen and touch screen may be connected to the portal device.Also for embodiments of the display module with a card reader, such acard reader may be connected to an internal USB port/header in thedisplay module.

FIGS. 54-56 show a machine 700 of another example embodiment. Themachine 700 includes a touch screen display that is configured for useby visually impair users 701 (FIG. 55). The machine 700 includes atleast one terminal processor 702. The terminal processor 702 is inoperative connection with at least one data store 704. As in the otherembodiments data store 704 includes data as well as computer executableinstructions or software that are carried out through operation of theterminal processor to operate the machine. Of course it should beunderstood that while only one terminal processor and data store areshown, embodiments may include numerous processors and data stores.Alternatively, the terminal processor 702 may not be located within themachine and may be located in a server or other device remote from themachine. For example, the terminal processor 702 may be located in acentral server that is operatively connected to the machine 700 and alsoto other machines. This central server may be located remotely from themachines.

The terminal processor 702 is in operative connection with transactionfunction devices of the machine generally indicated 706. The exemplarytransaction function devices include a card reader 708. The card reader708 is operative to read data included on user cards. This includes forexample data corresponding to financial accounts of users of theautomated banking machine. Another exemplary transaction function deviceis a printer 710. The printer 710 may include a receipt printer of thetype that provides users with receipts for transactions conducted at themachine. Another exemplary transaction function device in the machine700 is a cash dispenser 712. Cash dispenser 712 may be of the typepreviously described that operates to cause cash such as currency billsthat are stored within the machine 700 to be selectively dispensed andmade accessible to a user outside the machine 700. The terminalprocessor 702 is in operative connection with the cash dispenser 712 andthe card reader 708. The terminal processor 702 is operative to causethe machine 700 to operate to read card data from a user card and tocause a determination to be made that the card data read from the usercard corresponds to an authorized user and an authorized financialaccount. The terminal processor 702 may then operate to cause cash to bedispensed from the machine 700 to the user 701 and to cause a financialaccount corresponding to the card data to be assessed for cashdispensed.

The exemplary machine 700 also includes a depository 714. Depository 714may be of the type that accepts deposits made by a user into the machine700. Such deposits may include in some embodiments deposited items thatare included in deposit envelopes. In other embodiments the depositorymay accept items such as cash or checks. Of course it should beunderstood that the machine 700 may include other or different types oftransaction function devices. These may include for example differenttypes of input devices, output devices as well as devices for performingtransaction functions of the type desired at the machine. In the exampleembodiment, the machine 700 includes a touch screen display module 716that is operatively connected to the terminal processor 702. The touchscreen display module includes a housing 718 that houses the internaldisplay module components. These components may include a display moduleprocessor 720. The display module processor is in operative connectionwith at least one module data store 722. In the example embodiment, thehousing of the display module may include at least one battery 724. Theat least one battery 724 operates to provide a source of power so as toenable volatile memory of the data store 722 to maintain data storageeven during times when the machine is turned off or unplugged from an ACpower source. These components are designed to provide a secure inputdevice through which users can input data which is protected from beingintercepted by unauthorized persons.

The example embodiment of the touch screen display module 716 includesan output pane 726. Output pane 726 of the example embodiment comprisesa generally transparent pane which is part of a touch screen display728. The touch screen display 728 may be one of several types which canbe used to determine the relative location on the screen at which user701 makes contact with an input surface 730 of the touch screen display728 using his or her fingers 731. This may include for example in someembodiments a resistance detecting touch screen display. In otherembodiments the touch screen display 728 may be of the capacitancedetecting type. In still other embodiments the touch screen display 728may include an acoustic wave detecting type. As can be appreciated othervarious suitable types of touch screen displays 728 may be used todetermine the position of contact made by a user's fingers on the touchscreen display 728 so as to detect when a user touches the input surface730 of the touch screen display 728. Also, the machine 700 may includethe touch screen display 728 as a standalone component that isoperatively connected to the terminal processor 702 instead of beingpart of a touch screen display module.

The machine 700 is configured to recognize inputs on the touch screendisplay 728 without the need to display the character to be inputted. Inparticular, data corresponding to a character is received by theterminal processor 702 in response to a contact with at least one areaof the input surface 730 of the touch screen display 728. The area ofcontact does not include any visible output indicia that corresponds tothe character, before the area is contacted. The character maycorrespond to alphanumerical characters, such as a numerical character,an alphabetic character, or any other type of character. FIGS. 55 and 56show one example embodiment that includes this feature. As shown in FIG.55, the machine 700 includes a fascia 732. The fascia 732 of the exampleembodiment may include a recessed area 734 in which the touch screendisplay 728, function key buttons 736, card reader 708 and receiptoutlet 738 are positioned. A cash dispense opening 740 and a cashacceptance opening 742 are also positioned on the fascia 732. The fasciamay include other openings or devices such as for example, an openingfor accepting checks which can be imaged by a check acceptor thatincludes a scanner. The fascia 732 may include a top panel 744 which ispositioned generally above a light source 746 and the user interface ofthe machine. The top panel portion 744 may include a pair of convexmirrors 748, 750.

In this embodiment, one or more fingers 731 of the user 701 may contactconcurrently one or more respective areas 752 of the input surface 730of the touch screen display 728. When the user 701 touches the inputsurface 730 with one or more of his fingers 731, software running on theterminal processor 702 determines the number of fingers 731 thatconcurrently contact the input surface 730. The software then determinesthe numerical character corresponding to this number and sends thisinput data to the terminal processor 702. The data may be sent to theterminal processor 702 when the user 701 removes his or her fingers 731from the input surface 730. Alternatively, the data may be sent to theterminal processor 702 upon the user 701 removing the fingers 731 andpushing a function key button 736 configured for visually impaired userson the ATM 700.

For example, as seen in FIGS. 55 and 56, when the user 701 concurrentlytouches the input surface 730 of the touch screen display 728 with threefingers 731 a, 731 b, 731 c. The software determines that the number ofcontact areas 752 a, 752 b, 752 c of finger contacts is three. Thesoftware then determines that the numerical character “3” corresponds tothis input. Alternatively, the number of areas of finger contacts maycorrespond to an alphabetic character instead of a numerical character.Alternatively in other embodiments, alphanumeric characters may beindicated by repetitive contacts via a finger with an area of the touchscreen. For example, the user may repeatedly touch the screen toindicate a value. In such embodiments, the software may operate toconsider such inputs to be an incrementing value or character with eachtouch provided that the user touches the screen again within a certaintime period after the previous touch. If the user does not touch thescreen within a given period after the last touch, the computer operatesto determine that the desired character of the user corresponds to thelast touch contact made with the input surface. Also, other objects suchas a stylus may be used instead of fingers to contact areas 752 of theinput surface 730 of the touch screen display 728.

The exemplary machine 700 includes an audio output port 754 (FIG. 54)for providing signals usable to produce audio outputs to the user 701corresponding to the character being input. In the example embodimentshown in FIG. 55, the audio output port 754 includes a headphone jack756 that is operatively connected to a headphone 758. However, the audiooutput port 754 may include other output devices such as a Bluetoothport or a speaker. Also, the audio output port 754 may be configured tobe in operative communication with a cell phone. The audio output port754 may alternatively and additionally utilize near field communication.Alternative embodiments may include other types of audio output portsthat receive signals that are usable to produce audio outputs.

The audio output port 754 is in operative connection with the terminalprocessor 702. The terminal processor 702 includes software thatgenerates signals corresponding to verbal outputs of names identifyingcharacters based on inputs received by the terminal processor 702. Theterminal processor 702 is operative to cause audio signals correspondingto the alphanumeric character corresponding to the finger contact(s)with the contact surface to be outputted through the audio output port754. For example, when the user 701 concurrently contacts the inputsurface 730 of the touch screen display 728 with three fingers, theterminal processor 702 operates to cause the generation of signalsusable to produce a verbal output of the number three using an audiooutput device in connection with the audio output port 754. In anexample transaction, the user 701 hears the number three via theheadphones 758 and is thus provided with appropriate audio feedback ofthe character inputted. The headphones 758 can provide secure audiofeedback of the character inputted to the user 701 by preventing otherpersons in the area near the machine 700 from hearing the characterinputted. Optionally, the signals usable to produce audio outputs may beencrypted so that they can only be determined by a decrypting device inthe headphone or other apparatus of the user 701 so as to enable theuser to hear the character corresponding to the contacts with the inputsurface.

Various approaches may be used in alternative embodiments to have fingercontacts with the input surface to represent various types ofalphabetical and/or numerical characters being input to the machine. Forexample, the number of concurrent finger contacts with the screen maycorrespond to the input of the corresponding numerical value. This willgenerally enable a user to selectively input up to ten differentnumerical values. The machine may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to advise a user one through nine concurrent finger contactscorrespond to those values and that ten concurrent finger contacts withthe input surface corresponds to a zero input. Of course this approachis an example.

Likewise alphabetical values could be input in various ways. Forexample, tapping one or more fingers against the screen rapidly may bemade to cause the at least one processor to cause signals thatcorrespond to sequential letters of the alphabet to be output to theaudio output port. The user could stop further tapping of the screenwhen the selected alphabetical character has been output. Alternativelyplacing and holding one finger constantly in contact with the screen andrepeatedly touching and disengaging another finger with the screenwithin a time period may cause the output of a sequence of alphabeticalor other characters. Alternatively, repeatedly touching anddisconnecting from the screen in two different areas may cause the atleast one processor to resolve and produce outputs that correspond toalphabetical (or numerical) characters, that can be iteratively output,randomly presented, scrolled through or otherwise output in a way inwhich a selected character can be identified by a user. In theseexamples, no corresponding outputs would be provided on the screen torequire finger contact with the screen in any particular area or areas.The screen could be blank or could be outputting a design or otherindicia not related to the user selections for inputs prior to and/orwhile the user provides inputs. Alternatively in some embodiments, oncethe character corresponding to the inputs has been resolved based on thepreceding contacts with the input surface, the display may output thecharacter to a user through the display.

Alternatively, if the user is operating the machine through a securevoice guidance mode, it may be undesirable to output the actualcharacter and the machine may output a placeholder value such as anasterisk or other icon. Further, in some example embodiments, the atleast one processor may operate to give the user the option to eitherdisplay the selected character on the screen or to avoid displaying theselected character. This feature may allow users with limited sight tohelp to verify that the character they have selected is the one thatthey desire. Of course these are only a few exemplary ways in whichcharacters can be selectively input through contact with an inputsurface.

The characters inputted through contact with the input surface maycorrespond to one or more characters in the personal identificationnumber (PIN). This method may also be used to input the user's entirePIN. Alternatively in some embodiments, the inputted characters maycorrespond to values, such as the values associated with the financialtransaction that the user desires to carry out. In still otherembodiments, the inputted characters may correspond to selected types oftransactions or other values or selections that a user can provide to anautomated banking machine.

In an exemplary transaction, the user may have a card read throughoperation of the card reader 708. The banking machine 700 prompts theuser via signals that produce audio outputs through the audio outputport to enter his or her PIN through contact with the input surface ofthe touch screen display 728. The user 701 then contacts the inputsurface 730 of the touch screen display 728 with one or more fingers731. In this example, the number of fingers contacting the input surface730 corresponds to the first character of the PIN. After the terminalprocessor 702 receives the at least one input corresponding to the firstcharacter of the PIN, the terminal processor 702 generates signals thatprovide a verbal output of the character to the audio output port 754.The user hears the name of the character via the headphone 758. A“cancel” function key button 736 configured for visually impaired usersmay be provided for the user 701 to press, if the user 701 desires tocancel this input. Outputs may advise the user of the location of thisbutton. Alternatively, an “accept” function key button may be providedon the machine so the user may indicate that the output character isaccurate. Alternatively the user may be instructed to touch the screenin a certain way to indicate if the output is correct. For example, theuser could be prompted to concurrently place two fingers on the inputsurface of the touch screen to accept the character and three fingers tocancel.

After accepting a first character, the user 701 may then be instructedthrough audio outputs produced through operation of the at least oneprocessor to again contact the input surface 730 of the touch screendisplay 728 with one or more fingers 731. The number and/or sequence offingers 731 contacting the input surface 730 provides an inputcorresponding to the second character of the PIN. After the terminalprocessor 702 receives the data corresponding to the second PINcharacter inputted, the terminal processor 702 generates a verbal outputof the character to the audio output port 754. The user 701 hears thename of the second character via the headphone 758. The user can thenaccept or cancel the character in the manner provided through operationof the at least one processor of the machine. This process of inputtingcharacters repeats until all of the characters of the PIN are inputted.Verbal outputs may instruct the user to touch the input source in acertain way (for example with two fingers) to enter the PIN, and inanother way (for example three fingers) to cancel and start over.

The inputs through contact with the input surface may alternativelycorrespond to a value associated with cash requested to be dispensed bythe machine 700. For example, the machine may prompt the user 701 via anaudio output to enter on the touch screen display 728 the amount of cashthat the user 701 wants dispensed. The user 701 then contacts the inputsurface 730 of the touch screen display 728 with one or more fingers731. The number of fingers 731 and sequence for contacting the inputsurface 730 corresponds to the first numerical character of the value ofthe desired amount of cash. After the terminal processor 702 receivesthe data corresponding to the first numerical character, the terminalprocessor 702 generates signals corresponding to verbal output of thefirst numerical character to the audio output port 754. The user 701hears the name of the character via the headphone 758. The user 701 maypress the “cancel” function key button 736, if the user 701 desires tocancel this input. This process of inputting a numerical characterrepeats until all characters of the value associated with the cashdispensed are inputted.

Alternatively or additionally inputs may correspond to other characters,such as characters associated with or that represent functions orvalues. For example, the machine may be programmed to provide numeroustypes of transaction functions. These functions may include (forexample) cash dispense, balance inquiry, check cashing, deposit andother functions. The at least one processor may operate to receive oneor more character inputs via finger contact with the contact surface forthe user to select a transaction function. For example the machine mayprompt a user at a given time in the transaction sequence carried outresponsive to operation of the at least one processor to place onefinger in contact with the input surface to select a cash dispenser, twofingers to select a balance inquiry, three fingers to select a depositand so on for other available transaction types. Of course theseapproaches are examples and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

It should be understood that in some embodiments only users whocommunicate with the machine via headphones or other device in operationconnection with the output port may operate the machine by providinginputs through finger contact of the type described. In otherembodiments other users of the machine may provide inputs to the machinein this manner. In such embodiments the output port of the machine mayinclude or be in operative connection with an audio speaker, visualdisplay or other type of user perceptible output device that enablescommunication with the machine user. Such communication may direct theuser in operation of and to indicate to the user the character valuesrepresented by such contact inputs. Alternatively, in some embodimentswhen a device such as headphones are not in operative connection withthe output port the at least one processor of the machine may operate toprovide indicia through the screen which instructs sighted users on howto input characters by contacts with the touch screen. Further in somealternative embodiments inputs may be provided through contact withitems other than a touch screen. This might include a touch pad,signature pad or other contact sensing device on the machine, forexample. Alternatively the at least one processor of the machine may bein contact with a wireless output device which enables the user toprovide inputs through a mobile wireless device such as a smart phone.In such embodiments, the user may provide transaction inputs throughfinger contact with the screen or other input devices of the smartphone. The user may also be able to receive audio outputs securely usinga headset that is in operative connection with the smart phone. This mayinclude, for example, a Bluetooth enabled headset which enables the userto privately hear the audio outputs produced through operation of theprocessor of the machine responsive to the finger contacts with thescreen of the portable wireless device. Of course these approaches areexamples and in other embodiments, other approaches may be used.

FIG. 57 shows an alternative example embodiment of a machine forvisually impaired users 801 (FIG. 58). The machine 800 is in operativeconnection with at least one terminal processor 802. The terminalprocessor 802 is in operative connection with at least one data store804. Similar to some of the other example embodiments data store 804includes data as well as computer executable instructions or softwarethat are carried out through operation of the terminal processor tooperate the machine. Of course it should be understood that while onlyone terminal processor 802 and data store 804 are shown, embodiments mayinclude numerous processors and data stores. Alternatively, the terminalprocessor 802 may not be located within the machine 800 and may belocated in a server or other device remote from the machine.

The terminal processor 802 is in operative connection with transactionfunction devices of the machine generally indicated 806. The exemplarytransaction function devices 806 include a card reader 808. The cardreader 808 is operative to read data included on user cards. Thisincludes for example data corresponding to financial accounts of usersof the automated banking machine. Another exemplary transaction functiondevice is a printer 810. The printer 810 may include a receipt printerof the type that provides users with receipts for transactions conductedat the machine.

Another exemplary transaction function device in the ATM 800 is a cashdispenser 812. Cash dispenser 812 may be of the type previouslydescribed that operates to cause cash such as currency bills that arestored within the machine 800 to be selectively dispensed and madeaccessible to a user outside the machine 800. The terminal processor 802is in operative connection with the cash dispenser 812 and the cardreader 808. The terminal processor 802 is operative to cause the machine800 to operate to read card data from a user card and to cause adetermination to be made by communication with another computer orotherwise that the card data read from the user card corresponds to anauthorized user and/or an authorized financial account. The terminalprocessor is also operative to receive at least one input such as a useridentifying PIN. The terminal processor may also operate to cause adetermination to be made that the PIN is valid. The terminal processor802 may then operate responsive at least in part to one or bothdeterminations to cause cash to be dispensed from the machine 800 to theuser and to cause a financial account corresponding to the card data tobe assessed for cash dispensed.

The exemplary ATM 800 also includes a depository 814. Depository 814 maybe of the type that accepts deposits made by a user into the machine800. Such deposits may include in some embodiments deposited items thatare included in deposit envelopes. In other embodiments the depositorymay accept items such as cash or checks. Of course it should beunderstood that the machine 800 may include other or different types oftransaction function devices. These may include for example differenttypes of input devices, output devices as well as devices for performingtransaction functions of the type desired at the machine.

In the example embodiment, the machine 800 includes a touch screendisplay module 816 that is operatively connected to the terminalprocessor 802. The touch screen display module 816 includes a housing818 that houses the internal display module components. These componentsmay include a display module processor 820. The display module processoris in operative connection with at least one module data store 822. Inthe example embodiment, the housing of the display module may include atleast one battery 824. The at least one battery 824 operates to providea source of power so as to enable volatile memory of the data store 822to maintain data storage even during times when the machine is turnedoff or unplugged from an AC power source. These components are designedto provide a secure input device through which users can input datawhich is protected from being intercepted by unauthorized persons.

The example embodiment of the touch screen display module 816 includes apane 826. Pane 826 of the example embodiment comprises a generallytransparent pane which is part of a touch screen display 828. The touchscreen display 828 may be one of several types which can be used todetermine the relative location on the screen at which user 801 makescontact with an input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828 usinghis or her fingers 831. This may include for example in some embodimentsa resistance detecting touch screen display 828. In other embodimentsthe touch screen display 828 may be of the capacitance detecting type.In still other embodiments the touch screen display 828 may include anacoustic wave detecting type.

In still other embodiments, a camera may be positioned either behind orin front of the pane to determine the point of user finger contact withthe input surface. As can be appreciated other various suitable types oftouch screen displays 828 may be used to determine the position ofcontact made by a user's fingers on the touch screen display 828 so asto detect when a user touches the input surface 830 of the touch screendisplay 828. Also, the machine 800 may include the touch screen display828 as a standalone component that is operatively connected to theterminal processor 802 instead of being part of a touch screen displaymodule.

The exemplary machine 800 is configured to recognize inputs on the touchscreen display 828 without the need to display the character inputted.In particular, data corresponding to a character is received by theterminal processor 802 in response to a contact with at least one area852 of the input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828. The area852 of contact does not include any visible output indicia thatcorresponds to the character, before the area 852 is contacted. Thecharacter may correspond to a numerical character, an alphabeticcharacter, or any other type of character. As shown in FIG. 58, themachine 800 includes a fascia 832. The fascia 832 of the exampleembodiment may include a recessed area 834 in which the touch screendisplay 828, function key buttons 836, card reader 808 and receiptoutlet 838 are positioned. The fascia may include an opening for thereceipt of one or more checks which can be passed to a check acceptorincluding a scanner within the machine. A cash dispense opening 840 anda cash acceptance opening 842 are also positioned on the fascia 832.

In this example embodiment, a user contacts the input surface 830 of thetouch screen display 828 with his finger 831 and draws the character onthe area 852 of the input surface 830 with his finger 831. For example,as represented in FIG. 58, the user touches the input surface 830 of thetouch screen display 828 with his finger 831 and draws the number one.

Alternatively, the user may contact the input surface 830 of the touchscreen display 828 with the stylus or other writing instrument and drawthe character on the input surface 830 using the stylus or other writinginstrument. In example embodiments, the at least one processor operatesto receive an input corresponding to a character responsive to a line orlines drawn through finger contact with the input surface. Theprogramming associated with the at least one processor may operate insome environments to analyze a cursive character represented by theuser's movement of the finger while in continuous contact with the inputsurface. In still other embodiments, the programming associated with theat least one processor may operate to provide persistence through aperiod of finger contacts to the input surface during a relatively smallperiod of time. Thus, for example, the user may be able to create acharacter by printing or writing while removing the finger from contactwith the machine between strokes. Thus, in such example embodiments, acharacter may be indicated by drawing through finger contact with theinput surface, a number of different lines which make up the characterthe drawing of such lines being done by the user repeatedly engaging anddisconnecting their finger from the input surface. Of course theseapproaches are examples and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

The at least one processor operates to execute instructions whichanalyze the line or lines drawn through flange contact with the inputsurface. The computer executable instructions operating on at least oneprocessor are operative to resolve a character corresponding to thecharacter drawn by the user through contact with the input surface.Handwriting recognition software running on the terminal processor 802or other processor determines the character corresponding to thehandwritten character drawn on the input surface 830 of the touch screendisplay 828. The data may be resolved by the terminal processor 802 whenthe user removes his or her finger 831 from the input surface 830.Alternatively, the data may be resolved through operation of theterminal processor 802 upon the user removing his finger 831 and pushinga function key button 836 or taking other action suitable for visuallyimpaired users of the machine 800. This may be one for example in themanner previously described such as by instructing the user to contactthe input surface with two fingers concurrently to accept the resolvedcharacter that, is output and to concurrently contact the input surfacewith three or more fingers to cancel the resolved character and tryagain. Of course these approaches are examples of approaches that may beused for this purpose.

The exemplary machine 800 includes an audio output port 854 (FIG. 57)for providing audio feedback to the user after inputting the character.In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 58, the audio output port 854includes a headphone jack 856 that is operatively connected to aheadphone 858. However, as previously discussed, in other embodimentsthe audio output port 854 may include other output devices such as aBluetooth port or a speaker. Also, the audio output port 854 may beconfigured to be in operative communication with a cell phone. The audiooutput port 854 may also utilize near field communication. The audiooutput port 854 is in operative connection with the at least oneterminal processor 80. The terminal processor 802 may include softwarethat generate signals corresponding to verbal outputs of charactersbased on data received by the terminal processor 802. The terminalprocessor 802 is operative to cause audio signals corresponding to thename

Of the user to be outputted through the audio output port 854. Forexample, after the terminal, processor 802 receives the datacorresponding to the number one drawn on the input surface 830 of thetouch screen display 828, the terminal processor 802 generates outputsignals usable to produce an audio output of the number “one” to theaudio output port 854. The user 801 hears the number one via theheadphone 858 and is thus, provided with appropriate audio feedback ofthe character inputted. The headphone 858 provides secure audio feedbackof the character inputted to the user 801 by preventing other persons inthe area near the machine 800 from hearing the character inputted.Optionally, the verbal signals may be encrypted so that they can only bedetermined by the hardware device of the user 801 which decrypts theaudio outputs.

In some embodiments input characters may correspond to characters in theperson identification number (PIN). This method may also be used toinput the entire PIN. In particular, the user 801 may insert his or hercard through the card reader 808 and the machine 800 prompts the uservia an audio output to enter his PIN on the touch screen display 828.The user then draws the first character of the PIN on the input surface830 of the touch screen display 828. After the terminal processor 802receives or resolves the inputs corresponding to the character drawn onthe input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828, the terminalprocessor 802 resolves the character and produces signals usable toproduce a verbal output of the character through the audio output port854. The user 801 hears the sounds corresponding to the type of thecharacter via the headphone 858. A “cancel” function key button 836configured for visually impaired users or other input type may beprovided for the user 801 to press or input, if the user 801 desires tocancel this input. Alternatively or in addition an “accept button” orother input device or other approach may be provided for a user toaccept or reject selections in a manner like that previously described.

After a first character is input, the exemplary at least one processoroperates in accordance with its programming to cause the output ofsignals that prompt the user to input the next character of their PIN.In example embodiments, this may be done through signals usable toproduce audio outputs via the headphone or other audio output device. Insome embodiments the at least one processor may alternatively or alsooperate to provide outputs through the display which prompt the user toprovide an input corresponding to the next character of the user's PIN.The at least one processor then receives an input corresponding to thenext PIN character as the user draws the next character of the PIN onthe input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828. After theterminal processor 802 receives the data corresponding to this characterdrawn on the input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828, theterminal processor 802 generates signals corresponding to a verbaloutput of the type of character through the audio output port 854. Theuser 801 hears the name type of the character via the headphone 858. Theuser is then enabled to accept or cancel the indicated character that isdescribed through the verbal output.

This process of inputting characters repeats until all of the charactersof the PIN are inputted. Alternatively, the touch screen display 828 maybe configured to allow either inputting a character by drawing it on theinput surface 830 of the touch screen display 828, or inputting acharacter by touching the input surface 830 of the touch screen display828 concurrently with the fingers 831 of the user 801. For example, fora PIN that has the characters “31”, the number three may be inputted bytouching the input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828concurrently with the fingers 831 of a user 801, and the number one maybe drawn by the user on the input surface 830 of the touch screendisplay 828. Alternatively or in addition, the programming associatedwith the at least one processor in some embodiments may enable the inputof characters by repeated contact via finger with the screen orcombinations of contacts such as one or more continuous contacts withconcurrent repeated contact and releases with the screen. As previouslydiscussed, numerous different combinations of continuous and periodiccontacts and/or the drawing of characters on the input surface can beused in various embodiments to provide inputs which can be resolvedthrough operation of one or more processors as characters or other typesof inputs to be received by the machine.

Alternatively, in some embodiments instead of drawing and input of dataof each character of the PIN to the terminal processor 802 one characterat a time, the entire PIN may be drawn on the input surface 830 of thetouch screen display 828, and the input corresponding to all of thecharacters of the PIN may then be received and/or resolved all at onceto the terminal processor 802. In this example, the user would hear theverbal output of the entire PIN after the terminal processor 802resolves the characters in the PIN data. Alternatively the PIN data maybe output visually through the screen or the user may have the option toallow the characters included in the PIN to be output through thedisplay of the machine or in some cases the display of a phone or otherpersonal device. Similar to the approaches previously described, usingthis approach, the user will have the option to either indicate that theresolved PIN data is correct or to cancel the input if it is not correctand provide another input. In some embodiments input characters mayalternatively correspond to a value associated with cash dispensed bythe machine 800. For example, the machine 800 may prompt the user 801via an audio output to enter on the touch screen display 828 the amountof cash that the user 801 wants dispensed. The user 801 then draws thefirst numerical character of the value of the desired amount of cash onthe input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828. After theterminal processor 802 or other processor receives the one or moreinputs corresponding to the first character drawn on the input surface830 of the touch screen display 828, the terminal processor 802 or otherprocessor generates a verbal output signal of the character to the audiooutput port 854. The user 801 hears the name of the character via theheadphone 858. The user 801 may accept or cancel and retry the input inthe manner previously described. This process of inputting a numericalcharacter repeats until all the characters of the value associated withthe cash dispensed are inputted. Alternatively, the touch screen display828 may be configured to allow either inputting a character of the valueby drawing it on the input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828,or inputting a character of the value by touching the input surface 830of the touch screen display 828 simultaneously with the fingers 831 of auser 801.

Alternatively, instead of drawing and sending data of each numericalcharacter of the value associated with the cash dispensed to theterminal processor 802 one character at a time, the entire value may bedrawn on the input surface 830 of the touch screen display 828, and theinput corresponding to all of the characters of the value may then beused to resolve the entire value through operation of the terminalprocessor 802 or other processor. In this example, the user 801 wouldhear the verbal output of the value after the terminal processor 802receives the data corresponding to all of the characters of the value.

It should be understood that other types of characters of other indiciacan be input in this manner, such as characters or indicia correspondingto functions or other types of values (e.g., one finger contact for cashwithdrawal, and so on). Further, in some embodiments finger contact maybe used by users other than those that are visually impaired to operatethe machine. For example in some embodiments finger contact data may becommunicated via audio or visual output devices to sighted machine usersto enable operation of the machine. Further in some embodiments usersmay provide inputs by touching a tactile sensing device such as a touchpad, signature pad or other device that senses finger contact(s),position and/or movement. In addition in some embodiments, the machinemay communicate via the outlet port with a user's phone or otherportable device to provide audio or visual outputs that enableinterfacing with the machine.

In still other embodiments the machine may be operative to communicatewith a user's portable interface device such as a smart phone or iPad®device produced by Apple Computer. In such circumstances the machine maycommunicate with such a device such that the input surface on the deviceserves as the contact surface for inputs for the machine. Thus forexample, a portable device of the type that has a screen that can sensecontact by and/or movement of a user's finger thereon, may be used asthe contact surface for inputs to the machine. The inputs through theportable device may be communicated to the machine via Bluetooth or nearfield communication, for example. Thus the portable device may be usedin lieu of or in addition to the input surface on the machine forpurposes of providing inputs. In some embodiments, automated bankingmachines may be programmed to operate to receive user inputs through atouch screen that corresponds to visual outputs for some users whoprovide inputs to indicate that they wish to operate the machine in thatmanner. Other users may provide inputs to the machine via contact withan input surface on the touch screen display of the machine with audioor visual feedback via headphones, a visual display or other outputdevice. Other users may interface with the machine such that the surfaceof the machine becomes the contact sensitive screen of the userspersonal portable device. Further, in various examples, processorsassociated with the touch screen, various circuit boards, the user'spersonal portable device and/or a central terminal processor may operateto determine the nature of user contacts with the input surface andresolve characters representative thereof. Of course these approachesare examples and in other embodiments, different or other combinationsof approaches may be used.

Other example embodiments of a machine for the visually impaired thatrecognize inputs on a touch screen display without the need to displaythe character inputted may be provided. For example, a user maysuccessively touch the input surface of the touch screen display withhis or finger. Software running on the terminal processor or otherprocessor or other processor determines the number of successive toucheson the input surface. The software then determines the numerical orother character corresponding to this input. The data may be resolved bythe terminal processor or other processor after a predetermined timeelapses from the last touch on the input surface. Alternatively, thedata may be resolved by another processor and sent to the terminalprocessor upon the user pushing a function key button on the machine.For example, a user may touch the input surface three successive times.The software determines that this corresponds to the number three andsends this data to the terminal processor after five seconds has elapsedfrom the third touch of the input surface if another touch is notdetected.

Similar to the previously mentioned embodiments, the machine includes anaudio output port for providing audio feedback to the user afterinputting the character. In other example embodiments, a user may touchthe input surface and slide or drag his finger along the input surface.As the user drags his finger, verbal outputs corresponding to sequentialnumerical characters may be resolved through operation of at least oneprocessor and signals corresponding thereto outputted to the audio port.For example, the sequential verbal outputs of the numerical charactersgenerated may begin with the number nine and count down to zero (i.e. 9,8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0). In another example, the sequential verbaloutputs of the numerical characters generated may begin with zero andcount up to the number nine (i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). Thesesequences may be repeated as the finger drags along the input surface.Alternatively or in addition, sequences may include alphabeticalcharacters or other types of characters or indicia. The user hears thename of the numerical characters via the head phones or other outputdevice. When the user hears the desired number to be inputted, he stopsmoving his finger. Data corresponding to this last numerical characterheard by the user is then resolved as the selected character throughoperation of a processor. In examples where a separate processorresolves the character data, the data may be sent to the terminalprocessor after the user removes his finger off the input surface of thetouch screen display when a desired character or other indicia has beenoutput.

Alternatively, the data may be resolved or sent to the terminalprocessor upon the user removing his finger and then pushing a functionkey button or proving another type of input through the machine.Optionally, in some examples the user may touch the input surface withhis finger and thumb and slide them on the input surface towards or awayfrom each other to provide selected inputs. For example, when the fingerand thumb are moved towards each other in contact with the input surface(i.e. pinching movement), verbal outputs corresponding to the countingdown of numerical characters (or other types of characters) aregenerated. When the finger and thumb are moved away from each other incontact with the input surface, verbal outputs corresponding to thecounting up of numerical characters (or other types of characters) aregenerated. Of course these approaches are merely exemplary of fingercontact and movements that can be used for character selection andinput.

Some exemplary automated banking machines with the touch screen display(or other tactile device) which can be operated in the manner describedmay have advantages over other machines for the visually impaired. Forexample, the machine may not require a keyboard and/or Braille keys forthe visually impaired to feel or otherwise allows the visually impairedto operate. Further such features may also be used to facilitate theoperation of automated banking machine by sighted users and/or users whowish to interface with machines through tactile inputs or through theirpersonal portable devices.

Thus the automated banking machines and systems of the exampleembodiments may achieve one or more of the above stated objectives,eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices andsystems, solve problems and attain the desirable results describedherein. In the foregoing description certain terms have been used forbrevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitationsare to be implied therefrom because such terms are for descriptivepurposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, thedescriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and anyclaimed invention is not limited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to theparticular means shown in the foregoing description or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; atouch screen display having an input surface; wherein the processor, inresponse to detecting a predefined finger movement on the input surface,outputs a plurality of numeric characters in a sequence on the touchscreen display until the predefined finger movement is no longerdetected; and wherein the processor determines a numerical value is alast numerical value that was output on the touch screen display whenthe predefined finger movement was no longer detected.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the touch screen display is operable toreceive character input via a character drawn by finger contact with theinput surface while the input surface is absent any visible indicia thatcorresponds to the character; and wherein the processor is operable toresolve an alphanumeric character from the character input.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the touch screen display isoperable to receive numerical input via a numeral drawn by fingercontact with the input surface while the input surface is absent anyvisible indicia that corresponds to the numeral; and wherein the atleast one processor is operable to resolve a numerical value from thenumerical input.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thetouch screen display is operable to receive letter input via a letterdrawn by finger contact with the input surface while the input surfaceis absent any visible indicia that corresponds to the letter; andwherein the processor is operable to resolve a letter from the letterinput.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch screendisplay is operable to receive numerical input via a number ofconcurrent finger contacts with the input surface; and wherein theprocessor is operable to resolve a numerical value from the numericalinput.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch screendisplay is operable to receive numerical input via a number of fingerssimultaneously contacting the input surface; and wherein the processoris operable to resolve a numerical value from the numerical input.
 7. Atangible, non-transitory computer readable medium of instructions withinstructions stored thereon for execution by a processor, and whenexecuted operable to: detect a predefined finger movement on an inputsurface of a touch screen display; output a plurality of numericcharacters in a sequence on the touch screen display until thepredefined finger movement is no longer detected; and determine anumerical character that is a last numerical character output on thetouch screen display when the predefined finger movement is no longerdetected.
 8. The tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium ofinstructions set forth in claim 7, further operable to: obtain from thetouch screen display character input via a character drawn by fingercontact with the input surface while the input surface is absent anyvisible indicia that corresponds to the character; and resolve analphanumeric character from the character input.
 9. The tangible,non-transitory computer readable medium of instructions set forth inclaim 8, further operable to: receive from the touch screen display anumerical input via a numeral drawn by finger contact with the inputsurface while the input surface is absent any visible indicia thatcorresponds to the numeral; and resolve a numerical value from thenumerical input.
 10. The tangible, non-transitory computer readablemedium of instructions set forth in claim 8, further operable to:receive from the touch screen display a letter input via a letter drawnby finger contact with the input surface while the input surface isabsent any visible indicia that corresponds to the letter; and toresolve a letter from the letter input.
 11. The tangible, non-transitorycomputer readable medium of instructions set forth in claim 8, furtheroperable to: receive from the touch screen display numerical input via anumber of concurrent finger contacts with the input surface; and,resolve a numerical value from the numerical input.
 12. The tangible,non-transitory computer readable medium of instructions set forth inclaim 8, further operable to: receive from the touch screen displaynumerical input via a number of fingers simultaneously contacting theinput surface; and resolve a numerical value from the numerical input.13. A method, comprising: detecting a predefined finger movement on aninput surface of a touch screen display; outputting a plurality ofnumeric characters in a sequence on the touch screen display until thepredefined finger movement is no longer detected; and determining anumerical character that is a last numerical character output on thetouch screen display when the predefined finger movement is no longerdetected.
 14. The method set forth in claim 13, further comprising:obtaining from the touch screen display character input via a characterdrawn by finger contact with the input surface while the input surfaceis absent any visible indicia that corresponds to the character; andresolving an alphanumeric character from the character input.
 15. Themethod set forth in claim 14, further comprising: receiving from thetouch screen display a numerical input via a numeral drawn by fingercontact with the input surface while the input surface is absent anyvisible indicia that corresponds to the numeral; and resolving anumerical value from the numerical input.
 16. The method set forth inclaim 14, further comprising: receiving from the touch screen display aletter input via a letter drawn by finger contact with the input surfacewhile the input surface is absent any visible indicia that correspondsto the letter; and to resolve a letter from the letter input.
 17. Themethod set forth in claim 13, further comprising: receiving from thetouch screen display numerical input via a number of concurrent fingercontacts with the input surface; and, resolving a numerical value fromthe numerical input.
 18. The method set forth in claim 13, furthercomprising: receiving from the touch screen display numerical input viaa number of fingers simultaneously contacting the input surface; andresolving a numerical value from the numerical input.